Parents hail OKC daycare staff as heroes as fire breaks out after car smashes through building
By Olivia Hickey
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OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — A fire at La Petite Academy near Yukon sparked by a two-car crash, resulted in the safe evacuation of 33 children and five staff members, with parents praising the staff’s quick actions.
Jordann Williams, a parent, described the terrifying moment she saw the building engulfed in flames.
“As soon as I turned at the light, I just see the car on the side of the building. I just see it engulfed in flames. And I didn’t see any children,” Williams said. “I called my mom and I was screaming. I’m like, ‘the building’s on fire. I know Kennedy is in there.’ You know, I’m screaming and I’m crying,” Williams said.
Blaine Shallenberger, another parent, recounted his experience.
“I think we were there very early because when I ran up, I ran from the bank across the intersection to the CVS. And when I got to CVS, all the children there and one of the teachers were holding Jackson and handed him to me,” said Shallenberger.
He expressed his gratitude for the staff’s preparedness in the moment of crisis.
“I’m so glad that they had that training available to them and that they were able to get everyone out on time. It’s a miracle,” Shallenberger said.
The daycare staff is credited with saving the children’s lives.
“They had nothing. They were outside, they were cold. I don’t know what to say to them because that could have been very bad,” Williams said.
La Petite Academy released a statement saying they will be looking into how they will provide care to their kids in the future, stating, “Over the next few days and weeks, we will be navigating next steps for moving forward as we work to ensure our families and staff members are cared for.”
La Petite Academy said it is providing care for families at its other locations across the area. Other local childcare centers, including Step Into Learning, are also offering support.
“We are here for you. We will stand in however we can to make sure that you are feeling that your child will be safe in a childcare center,” said Jana Westberry, owner of Step Into Learning.
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