A 2-year-old boy was rushed to the hospital and two other children were hurt after a car crashed through a fence and into a preschool playground in England.
The terrifying incident happened Monday morning at Partou Sunny Days Nursery and Preschool in Ellesmere Port, a town about 20 miles south of Liverpool.
According to Cheshire Police, the car drove through a fence and entered the nursery’s outdoor play area shortly before 9:55 a.m.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene, including police officers and paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service.
The 2-year-old boy was taken to the hospital, though police said his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. Two other children suffered minor injuries after being hit by fencing.
A 63-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, according to reports.
Police said officers remained at the scene as they worked to “fully establish the circumstances” of the crash. Authorities believe it was an isolated incident.
A spokesperson for Partou confirmed that a vehicle had entered the outdoor play area and called the situation “extremely distressing.”
“Our focus is on supporting the people affected,” the company said, adding that the children’s families had been informed.
The nursery said it would do everything possible to support those impacted during the difficult time and would work closely with authorities as the investigation continues.
The crash stunned people living and working nearby.
Local resident Sylvia Dominguez told The Telegraph she was at home when the crash happened and saw officers arrive at the nursery.
“The car was just inside the playground,” she said. “I normally see kids playing there every day but the car was right inside. I was quite shocked to see it.”
Steve Davenport, who owns a barbershop on the road, told the Chester Standard that people passing by said the driver may have reversed through the fence while children were playing on the other side.
“To be fair, it’s a small car park and it’s just unfortunate that the kids were on the other side of the fence at that time, I think,” he said.
Justin Madders, the Labour Member of Parliament for Ellesmere Port and Bromborough, said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident and that his thoughts were with the children and everyone affected.
