Staff Rushed to Save 33 Kids After Car Hit Daycare and Sparked Fire. Parent Says It’s a ‘Miracle’ Everyone Got Out

Staff members at an Oklahoma daycare are being praised for moving quickly to evacuate nearly three dozen children after a vehicle crashed into the building and sparked a fire.

Firefighters were dispatched to the 11500 block of West Reno Avenue shortly after 4:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Dec. 12, according to a news release from the Oklahoma City Fire Department.

Officials said the fire started at La Petite Academy after a vehicle left the roadway and struck the facility. At the time, 33 children and five adults were inside.

Daycare employees evacuated everyone safely, with no injuries reported. Fire officials credited the staff’s fast response and decisive action for keeping children and adults out of harm’s way.

Blaine Shallenberger, a parent with a child at the daycare, told ABC affiliate KOCO that the children were taken to a nearby CVS Pharmacy after they were evacuated.

“I’m so glad that they had that training available to them and that they were able to get everyone out on time. It’s a miracle,” Shallenberger said.

La Petite Academy later confirmed that all children and staff members at the Yukon location were safe and accounted for. In a statement, the company praised its employees for acting quickly to guide children to safety.

“Your professional response and quick action in getting our children swiftly to safety was nothing short of heroic,” the statement said.

Daycare officials also thanked employees at the CVS for stepping in to help during the emergency, calling it “the definition of community.” They also expressed gratitude to first responders for providing support to children, staff and families in the aftermath.

The driver was removed from the vehicle and taken to a local hospital, fire officials said. The driver’s condition has not been released.

One firefighter sustained a minor injury while responding, officials said. No other injuries were reported.

Fire officials said the daycare building is expected to be a total loss. Daycare leaders said they will spend the next few weeks working through next steps and supporting affected families and staff.

“For now, we are filled with gratitude for everyone’s safety and the ongoing support of our community,” the statement said. “We are stronger together.”