Driver, 3 kids hospitalized after pickup truck crashes into Glendale day care center
GLENDALE, AZ (AZFamily) — Several people, including children, are in the hospital after a pickup truck crashed into a day care center in Glendale on Thursday morning.
The collision happened around 8 a.m. near 51st Avenue and Butler Drive, north of Northern Avenue. Glendale Police Sgt. Moroni Mendez says the pickup truck driver, who had three kids inside his vehicle, was heading northbound when another truck driver attempted to make a left turn onto Butler Drive.
The two vehicles collided, causing the pickup driver to lose control and drive over curbing, a sidewalk and utility pedestals. He then crashed into the corner of American Child Care Center.
Authorities initially believed the second driver, a 79-year-old man, fled the scene. However, investigators later confirmed he stayed on the scene for several minutes and left, but was later contacted by Glendale police. He was not injured in the collision.
Sgt. Mendez says there were 15 children and five adults inside the day care. No children or staff members were injured, but the building was evacuated.
The 32-year-old driver and the three children, ages 5, 8 and 10, inside the truck were all hospitalized with minor injuries.
Glendale firefighters safely removed the truck from the building. A building inspector determined that there was no serious structural damage, and that fencing and boards will be used to block off the damaged area.
The Arizona’s Family news chopper witnessed several children and other adults standing outside the day care. The truck sustained heavy damage to its front end.
All children were picked up by their parents.
Glendale police say they are working to determine if speed was a factor in the collision. Currently, police are not pursuing criminal charges but say civil traffic violations could be issued once the investigation is complete.
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