Earlier today, a pickup truck crashed into a daycare in Fall River, marking a harrowing start to the day for a community dependent on the Kindercare Learning Center. The Fall River Kindercare, located on North Main Street, now stands visibly wounded with a gaping hole near its front entrance. According to WHDH, the impact of the truck has forced the center to close its doors for the day, leaving families to scramble for alternative childcare solutions.
At the daycare, misfortune struck when Eric Brasidio, the 41-year-old driver of the truck, lost control after first hitting a fire hydrant on the intersection of Pleasant and Seventh streets, as reported by WPRI. The vehicle then blew a tire and subsequently barreled into the daycare. Fortunately, the crash occurred when no one was inside the building.
Following the accident, Brasidio was arrested after failing a field sobriety test, and he now faces charges including operating under the influence and negligent operation of a motor vehicle. Brasidio was treated at a local hospital before his arrest. The truck, having borne the brunt of the collisions, was towed from the scene with significant damage.
Meanwhile, the daycare's program director, Stephanie Perreira, conveyed the crash's profound effect on the center's community. In a statement obtained by WHDH, she said, "When I got here, there was actually a car through my office which is pretty terrifying." Perreira, shocked by the scene, noted that 95 children and 25 teachers are now displaced due to the accident. This incident, as Perreira revealed to WPRI, was not without precedent, with the building having been hit by a vehicle previously. The daycare serves approximately 90 children throughout the year.
The full extent of the repercussions from the crash on the Kindercare Learning Center's operations remains uncertain. Stephanie Perreira told WPRI, "I have 95 children 25 teachers who are now displaced. It’s a really terrifying feeling."
