Central Florida KinderCare reopens after crash

Doors open for the 1st time since little girl was killed

(WKMG-TV image)

WINTER PARK, Fla – An Orange County day care center opened its doors Monday for the first time since a 4-year-old girl was killed when a car plowed through the wall of the center in April.

A car crashed into the KinderCare Learning Center in Winter Park in April. The Toyota Solara was struck by a hit-and-run driver and diverted straight into the building, leaving a massive hole.

Lily Quintus died and 13 other children and adults were injured.

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On Monday the daycare is getting a much needed fresh start. Beyond the fresh paint and new flowers, KinderCare has made many structural changes that will help families feel safer. Six huge round barricades have been placed in front of the building along with reinforced walls filled with concrete, and five planters to protect the daycare from being hit.

"They've made the best out of a terrible situation," says Shaun Kinney.

Kinney's 3-year-old attends this day care but wasn't at the center on the day of the crash. Kinney has been eying the improvements, including a metal and wood barrier on one side of the playground and tall poles on the other side.

They are changes that make Kinney feel comfortable to let his daughter return.

"They've done a great job for the families and the parents all together, I'm glad to be able to bring my daughter back" says Kinney.