18 October 2023
BRAINERD Seven children and one staff member were transported from the Brainerd Family YMCA on Tuesday, Oct. 17, after a three-vehicle crash at South Sixth and Oak streets sent a vehicle into the YMCA building.
Brainerd Family YMCA A sign at the Brainerd Family YMCA notes it will be closed until further notice. A vehicle crashed into the YMCA about 2:39 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, just off Oak Street in Brainerd, sending multiple people to the hospital. Nor-Son Construction works to put a temporary repair in the wall of the Brainerd Family YMCA. A vehicle crashed into the YMCA about 2:39 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, just off Oak Street in Brainerd, sending multiple people to the hospital. Nor-Son Construction works to put a temporary repair in the wall of the Brainerd Family YMCA. A vehicle crashed into the YMCA about 2:39 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, just off Oak Street in Brainerd, sending multiple people to the hospital. A sign on the door at the Brainerd Family YMCA on Oak Street notes the building will be closed Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, after a vehicle crashed into the wall of the Child Care Center. Nor-Son Construction works to put a temporary repair in the wall of the Brainerd Family YMCA. A vehicle crashed into the YMCA about 2:39 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023, just off Oak Street in Brainerd, sending multiple people to the hospital.
Shane Riffle, CEO of the Brainerd Family YMCA, said at the time of the crash the children and staff member were in a class in the Greenroom of the YMCA Child Care Center. Riffle said staff immediately began to evacuate the classroom and direct the children to a safe area of the building while emergency personnel were called.
Upon arrival, paramedics on scene sent all the children and staff to Essentia Health-St. Joseph’s Medical Center hospital as a precautionary measure.
“We have been informed that some of these children and staff have been released,” Riffle said in the release. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone from the Brainerd Family YMCA are with the children and staff that were involved in today’s accident.”
The Brainerd Police Department responded to the crash, which was reported about 2:39 p.m.
Brainerd Police Chief John Davis said there was one vehicle westbound on Oak Street and one traveling south on South Sixth Street when they crashed at the intersection. After crashing, one of the vehicles was sent into a Brainerd Police Department squad car, which was northbound on South Sixth Street and waiting at the light when it was hit.
That vehicle continued traveling and ended up crashing into the Greenroom of the YMCA Child Care Center.
Davis said the crash is currently under investigation by the Baxter Police Department.
Brainerd Fire Chief Tim Holmes said they were called to the scene to assist with the removal of the vehicle from the building and to help with turning off the water from the boiler.
“All parents with children in the program are currently being notified of the incident and can pick their children up from our facility when they’re able,” Riffle said in a 5 p.m. Tuesday news release. “As soon as possible, we will have emotional support counselors onsite for any children, parents or staff who wish to speak with them. We are fully cooperating with the Brainerd Police Department and Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office investigation of the accident. Any questions regarding the accident itself should be directed to them.”
At about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nor-Son Construction was fixing the hole on the west side of the building. Riffle said the Brainerd Family YMCA will be closed until further notice while they work with facilities personnel to determine the extent of the damages.
Riffle said updates on the YMCA’s reopening will be posted at Brainerdlakesymca.org.
“In the meantime, we ask that you please respect the privacy and feelings of our children, parents and staff during this difficult time,” Riffle stated in the release.
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TIM SPEIER, staff writer, can be reached on Twitter @timmy2thyme, call 218-855-5859 or email [email protected].
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