Three kids injured when car crashes into Venice day care

VENICE, Fla. (WFLA) — Three children suffered minor injuries Tuesday morning when a car crashed into a day care in Venice.

It’s a story that would make any parent panic. Fifteen preschoolers were inside the day care when the car crashed into it.

Officials say Antoaneta Petrova was dropping her grandchild off at the Academy of Creative Learning, at 1602 Banyon Drive in Venice, around 9 a.m. when she accidentally plowed through a wall in her Volvo.

“It could’ve been much worse without question,” Trooper Kenn Watson with the Florida Highway Patrol said.

The car made it about four feet into the building, leaving a crumbling mess. The children were frightened, and staffers quickly shuffled them out.

“(The kids are) a little shook up and a little scared. We had some tears and some crying but we got them all through it,” day care owner JoAnn Wieleba said. “Our staff is trained to handle emergency situations. We’re not trained to handle cars going through the building, but we are trained to handle emergency situations.”

Three children sustained scrapes and bruises and one teacher had to be taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Soon after the accident, parents rushed over and took their kids home.

The driver, Petrova, is at a loss. “I don’t know what happened. Then the car go inside, and it was awful. And I don’t know the reason,” she said.

Everyone involved is counting their blessings because this story could’ve easily had a different outcome.

Troopers say Petrova was charged with having an expired driver’s license and careless driving.

They believe she accidentally hit the accelerator. There could be additional charges.

As repairs commence, the children will be transferred to other area day cares.