Bronx, New York – A tragic incident unfolded at a daycare center in the Kingsbridge neighborhood on Friday afternoon, resulting in the death of a 1-year-old boy and the hospitalization of three other children. Police sources suspect that the children may have ingested fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid. The four children, including two 2-year-old boys and an 8-month-old girl, were found unresponsive in the basement of Divino Nino on Morris Avenue.
According to sources, the children had gone down for their afternoon naps and were supposed to wake up at 2:30 p.m. They had all consumed something approximately 90 minutes prior. Emergency services were called to the scene around 2:40 p.m., and the children were rushed to nearby hospitals. Sadly, the 1-year-old boy was pronounced dead, while the other three children remain in stable condition.
Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, was administered to three of the children. One child responded positively to the life-saving drug. The 8-month-old girl was also treated for dehydration. Authorities are now investigating whether fentanyl or another drug was involved in the incident.
Witnesses reported hearing a worker at the daycare screaming for help, expressing the horrifying discovery of the unresponsive children. Neighbors described the daycare as legitimate and well-maintained, with a capacity for up to eight children between the ages of six weeks and 12 years old. Divino Nino Day Care had recently passed an unannounced inspection with no violations.
As the investigation continues, a search warrant has been executed at the daycare center, and a decontamination tent has been set up outside the building. The community is left in shock and mourning over the tragic loss of a young life and the distressing incident that unfolded at the daycare.