One-year-old boy dies and 3 children hospitalized after possible fentanyl exposure at Bronx daycare
The Divino Nino Daycare at 2707 Morris Ave. in Kingsbridge called 911 on Friday afternoon, September 15, for four unresponsive children
BRONX, NEW YORK: After possibly consuming fentanyl at a daycare in the Bronx, a one-year-old boy died and three other kids were hospitalized, according to police sources.
The Divino Nino Daycare at 2707 Morris Ave. in Kingsbridge called 911 on Friday afternoon, September 15, at around 2.45 pm, for four unresponsive children, as reported by ABC7.
What happened at the Bronx daycare?
According to police sources, the incident took place after the kids' meals and naps. Police are reportedly questioning a babysitter, though it is unknown if the person is a daycare employee, according to sources.
In the aftermath of the incident, four children had collapsed, including a 1-year-old boy, a 8-month-old girl, and two 2-year-old boys. The one-year-old boy later died, while the condition of the other three children while stable is still critical.
The New York Post reported that the children possibly consumed fentanyl, though that has not been officially confirmed by the police.
However, three of children at the hospitals were treated with Narcan, an over-the-counter opioid overdose treatment, and one of them responded to the life-saving drug, cops said. The 8-month-old girl was also treated for dehydration, according to sources.
Divino Nino Daycare had good reputation in neighborhood
One of the witnesses at the scene, Mel Ramirez, said, "The owner of the daycare was screaming for help," as reported by ABC7. The Divino Nino Daycare was located in the building's basement.
"I turned the corner and I see one of the kids laying down unresponsive, and then the second lady came out with one of the kids and he was also not responding," Ramirez added.
"I'm expecting you to watch my kids at all times because, at that moment, these are your kids. They're my kids, but they're your kids on your watch," said neighbor Shytisha Miller.
"These are nice people. Something bad happened, I don't know, but don't condemn them," said Anna Ortiz Irving about the day care having a good reputation in the neighborhood. The daycare owner is reportedly cooperating with the police to investigate the incident.
In the beginning, first responders thought they were dealing with a carbon monoxide leak, so firefighters and police entered the daycare while wearing breathing apparatuses.
Divino Nino Day Care passed annual unannounced inspection with zero violations
According to city records, Divino Nino Day Care passed its annual unannounced inspection with zero violations on Sept. 6.
It received its license in May.
The daycare has a capacity of eight children between the ages of six weeks to 12 years old, records show.
A search warrant was being executed at the centre Friday night, and a white decontamination tent was set up outside the building, as reported by New York Post.
