Preschool playground crash injures 3 children, toddler hospitalized

A two-year-old boy was hospitalized and two other children were injured after a car crashed into the playground of a preschool in northwest England on Monday morning, prompting a police investigation and the arrest of a 63-year-old woman.

The incident occurred shortly before 9:55 a.m. local time at Partou Sunny Days Nursery and Preschool in Ellesmere Port, about 20 miles south of Liverpool. According to police, the vehicle drove through a fence and entered the outdoor play area while children were present.

Emergency services, including officers from Cheshire Police and paramedics from the North West Ambulance Service, responded to the scene, according to People. Authorities said the toddler was taken to hospital for treatment, though his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Two additional children sustained minor injuries after being struck by fencing damaged during the crash.

Police confirmed that a 63-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Officers remained at the nursery throughout the day as they worked to establish the circumstances surrounding what they described as an isolated incident.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Partou said the nursery was focused on supporting those affected.

“We can confirm an incident occurred today at our Sunny Days Nursery setting in Ellesmere Port involving a vehicle entering an outdoor play area,” the spokesperson said, describing the event as “extremely distressing.”

The nursery operator added that the children’s families had been informed and that staff would continue supporting those impacted while cooperating fully with investigators.

Residents near the nursery expressed shock after witnessing the aftermath of the crash. Local resident Sylvia Dominguez said she saw police arrive shortly after the incident.

“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.”

Another local, barbershop owner Steve Davenport, suggested the crash appeared to be accidental.

“People going past said that a woman in the car park had reversed into a fence and the kids were behind it, playing,” he said. “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.”

Local Member of Parliament Justin Madders said he was “deeply saddened” by the incident, adding that his thoughts were with the injured children, their families and everyone affected.

Police have urged anyone with information about the crash to come forward as inquiries continue. Authorities said their priority remains determining exactly how the vehicle entered the nursery playground.