Boy, 2, in hospital after nursery playground car crash
Boy, 2, in hospital after nursery playground car crash 2 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on Google Lynette Horsburgh & Rachael Lazaro North West Reach PLC The crash happened in the playground of Partou Sunny Days Nursery and Pre-school on Vale Road, Whitby, Ellesmere Port A two-year-old boy was taken to hospital and another two children hurt after a car crashed into a nursery playground. The vehicle drove through a fence at the Partou Sunny Days Nursery and Pre-school on Vale Road in Whitby, Ellesmere Port, just before 09:55 BST, said Cheshire Police. Police said the two-year-old's injuries were "not believed to be life-threatening". Two other children sustained minor injuries after being hit by fencing. The nursery said it was "extremely distressing" and its immediate focus was supporting those affected. A 63-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. The crash happened at Partou Sunny Days Nursery and Pre-school on Vale Road, Whitby, Ellesmere Port Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) and the boy was taken to hospital with what police said were "thought to be serious injuries". However, in a later update the force said the injuries were "not as serious as first thought". He remains in hospital under supervision and his next of kin have been made aware, it added. Reach PLC The nursery on Vale Road has closed A Partou spokesperson said: "We can confirm an incident occurred today at our Sunny Days Nursery setting in Ellesmere Port involving a vehicle entering an outdoor play area. "This is an extremely distressing incident and our immediate focus is supporting the children affected, their families and our colleagues at the nursery." It said three children were injured; two sustaining minor injuries and "one child is receiving medical treatment". The nursery said it was in contact with the families involved and was doing "everything we can to support them during this extremely difficult time" along with working closely with police and relevant authorities on the investigations. The owner of Steve the Barber on Vale Road, near the nursery, said he first became aware of the incident when he saw police arriving at the nursery. "It's very sad that the little ones injured," he said. He said dentists and nurses from a nearby dental practice rushed over to help. Steve said it was typical of the "outstanding" Whitby and Ellesmere Port community. "They all help each other and do everything they can." He praised police officers for the way they handled the incident including how they comforted parents who were "understandably upset". "You get that call to say something's happened like that, your mind obviously goes into overtime." He said police blocked both sides of the roads as parents were arriving and were "calming down the parents and looking after them". "They were outstanding - they had everything under control." The owner of Steve the Bar
This tragic nursery playground crash shows how dangerous our communities are becoming. Kids shouldnt have to fear for their safety at daycare. We need better traffic controls and stronger enforcement around schools and nurseries. Parents deserve better protection for their children.
This highlights a critical gap in urban planningplayground safety assessments often overlook traffic flow patterns. Research shows that 60% of child pedestrian injuries occur within 500m of educational facilities, yet few studies examine how playground design intersects with local traffic infrastructure. We need data-driven solutions, not just enforcement. 187 characters
What a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change for little ones. This poor toddler is just learning to navigate the world, and now faces such a frightening experience. May he recover quickly and safely. Those nursery playgrounds, while seemingly harmless, can be surprisingly dangerous for young children. May this serve as a sobering moment for all of us to re-evaluate safety measures in places where our most vulnerable are spending time. Stay strong, little one.
What a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly life can change for young families. Two-year-olds are just beginning to understand their world, and when something as simple as playing on a playground turns into a devastating accident, it hits hard. May this little boy receive the best possible care and recovery, and may his family find strength and peace during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them.