SUV races through daycare center with teachers and children inside

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/Gray News) – Authorities in Florida are investigating an accident in which a vehicle drove into a daycare center Wednesday morning.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the accident occurred around 7:35 a.m. at the Quality Learning Child Care Center.

Authorities said the driver in question had dropped off his child and attempted to stop in a parking lot when he accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake.

Erica Gissendanner, the owner of the daycare center, said fortunately there were no injuries, but seven children and three teachers were in the building at the time of the accident.

Gissendanner said it was fortunate that no one was injured when the SUV crashed through the building.

“My first thought was, 'Are my children and my staff safe?'” she said. “We are blessed that every child, every teacher and every parent is safe – just a miraculous event from God.”

The day care facility has served the Panama City community for 30 years. Gissendanner said it's heartwarming to see how supportive the community has been since the crash.

“Not only did I get to see parents, but these were parents who were children in my center so many years ago,” she said. “I took it as a family love and concern for our children, our community and the future of this company. I just have to keep saying that God is good.”

Before Quality Learning can reopen its doors, several steps must be taken, including a structural analysis.

Gissendanner said she is available through social media if anyone wants to help in the meantime.

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