April 09--Rescue officials say 12 people, including 11 children, were injured when a car crashed into Goldenrod Road daycare center this afternoon.
The business, which according to its websites offers services for children as young as six weeks, is at 4035 N. Goldenrod Road. The crash was reported about 3 p.m.
According to FHP spokeswoman Sgt. Wanda Diaz, the crash began as a hit-and-run.
A vehicle, believed to be a silver or gray Dodge Durango, crashed into a car, forcing it into the KinderCare and causing the injuries.
Fire Rescue spokesman John Mulhall said 12 people have been taken to hospitals, 11 of them children, for a "variety of injuries, some more serious than others."
Said Diaz: "Some are very, very serious."
She said victims have been taken to five area hospitals.
Troopers asked people in the area to be on the lookout the vehicle, which is believed to be damaged and missing its front bumper.
Anyone with information is asked to call 407-737-2300.
Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, speaking at the scene, implored area residents to be on the lookout for the hit-and-run driver, and to pray for the injured and their families.
"Keep them in your prayers... together we will find whoever is responsible for this," she said.
Early reports from the Florida Highway Patrol indicated there was at least one fatality, though that detail has not been confirmed.
As 5 p.m. approached, about 50 people, most of them parents, were escorted away by fire officials. One woman was crying.
Other parents and children were seen talking to rescuers behind the daycare.
The daycare is one of 1,700 KinderCare Learning Centers operated in 39 states with about 40,000 employees by the Knowledge Learning Corporation based in Oregon.
Goldenrod Road is completely closed in the area. There are also heavy traffic delays on University Boulevard and other area roadways.
This is a breaking news story. Check back later for updates
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