Nap time at a Kansas City day care center was tragically interrupted when a Cadillac sedan crashed through the wall. The Cadillac had been parked outside and was pushed into the day care after it was struck from behind by a Range Rover.
Three children were injured by the Cadillac; one child was hit by debris, and two became trapped under the car. All three children were taken to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the Range Rover, an 80-year old man, was also injured and remains hospitalized in stable condition.
A Chaotic Scene At A Day Care
Approximately 40 children at the Christian Academy Child Care center were settled in for nap time when the full size luxury sedan charged through the front wall. The Cadillac completely breached the wall and passed over two children almost instantly.
The Cadillac was stationary with its transmission in park. The back wheels would have remained locked and skidded forward. The angle and force of the rear-end collision indicated that the Range Rover was likely to have been on a direct path toward the day care. Crime scene investigators estimate that the Range Rover must have been travelling at roughly 40mph when it contacted the Cadillac to produce that amount of force. Given the fact that this took place in a parking area, and not a thoroughfare, this estimation would absolutely be deemed an excessive rate of speed. The parked Cadillac was the only thing that stopped the SUV from taking a similar, though more destructive route through the day care.
Following the crash, a scene of debris, sparks, and rubble was littered by children’s papers and several child-sized chairs scattered about the surrounding sidewalk area. The Cadillac also side-swiped a utility pole before reaching the day care, causing power lines to fall and arc on the sidewalk until crews were able to cut power.
Shaken Parents Feel Fortunate
Parents rushed to the scene immediately upon receiving news of the incident. A few parents were shocked by the destruction, and expressed relief that more children weren’t hurt. Photos from the scene lead many to believe that things could have been much worse. All three kids who were treated for injuries have since been released and returned home to their families.
After learning about the mechanics of the accident, many parents were grateful for the Cadillac’s indirect role in stopping the SUV from doing much worse damage.
Elderly Man’s Status Unknown
No statement was available from the 80-year driver of the SUV immediately after the crash. Police administered a mandatory blood test to check for intoxicants, but the results have not yet been released. Authorities are investigating the matter and the elderly man’s pre-existing health status could shed light on the situation. As suggested earlier, the SUV is presumed to have been travelling at an illogical rate of speed, considering the immediate surroundings and close quarters. It is unconfirmed whether or not the man applied the brakes before striking the Cadillac.
This type of accident often results when the driver loses consciousness or suffers from cardiac arrest. Further investigation is still needed to determine whether a medical condition played any role in the crash.
References:
Huffington Post – Day Care Car Crash: Kansas City Accident Leaves Multiple People Injured at Christian Academy Child Care – https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/30/day-care-car-crash-kansas-city_n_3678055.html
The Kansas City Star – Investigation continues into crash that injured children inside KC day care center – https://www.kansascity.com/2013/07/31/4381020/investigation-continues-into-crash.html#storylink=cpy
