ORLANDO, Orange County, Fla., Oct. 17, 2026 — A car crashed into a daycare center in Orlando on Thursday afternoon, October 15, sending a driver, three young children and an adult to hospitals.
The Florida Highway Patrol said a 79-year-old Orlando man was driving a 2003 Honda CR-V south on Pine Hills Road near Elinore Drive at around 2:58 p.m. when the vehicle left the road for reasons that have not been determined. It crossed into the northbound lanes and struck Tattle Tales Learning Center, investigators said.
The Orlando Fire Department reported that everyone hurt in the crash, including the driver, three 4-year-olds and an adult, was in good condition after being taken to area hospitals. Orange County Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Nichol Stratman said there were early reports that a child had been pulled under the vehicle, but the child was freed and treated before fire crews arrived.
About 14 people were inside the building when the car hit it, according to information gathered at the scene. First responders and staff moved the children to safety as the building was evacuated. Orange County later declared the damaged section of the daycare unsafe to occupy, and crews boarded it up.
The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
More on Crashes in Orlando, FL
This crash happened at Pine Hills Road and Elinore Drive in Orlando, FL. We cover crashes across Orange County as they're reported, and you can browse the latest in our Orange County accident reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does speed change how serious a crash turns out to be? Yes. Higher speed means more distance needed to stop and more force at the moment of impact, so crashes at higher speeds tend to cause more serious injuries and damage.
Why is distracted driving considered so risky? Taking your eyes, hands, or attention off the road for even a few seconds cuts down the time available to react to a hazard, which can turn an avoidable situation into a collision.
What should someone do right after a car accident? Check for injuries, call 911, move to a safe spot if possible, and exchange information with anyone else involved. Even if injuries seem minor, it's worth getting checked by a medical provider, since some injuries aren't obvious right away.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Orlando, FL
If you're involved in or witness a crash like this one, start by making sure everyone is out of immediate danger and emergency services have been called. Stay calm and let first responders do their work, especially when children or bystanders are involved. Once the scene is secure, seek a medical evaluation even if you feel fine, since shock can mask pain or injury in the first hours afterward. Keep a record of what happened while it's fresh, including any photos, and follow up with your own doctor in the days after if anything feels off. For families connected to a daycare or school affected by an incident like this, checking in with the facility about safety steps and next steps for the children can help provide reassurance.
