Source: 1 child dies, 3 hospitalized after ingesting fentanyl at Bronx day care center

KINGSBRIDGE, BRONX (WABC) — A one-year-old boy died after taking fentanyl at a Bronx day care center, and three other children were hospitalized after taking fentanyl, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

Emergency crews were called to the Divino Nino Day Care Center at 2707 Morris Ave. in Kingsbridge on Friday afternoon for reports of a cardiac arrest.

Police sources said the incident happened after the children had finished their meal and had a nap. A one-year-old boy was pronounced dead at Montefiore. A two-year-old boy is in critical condition. An eight-month-old girl and another two-year-old boy were also taken to hospital.

Sources said the children were given an anesthetic – and at least one child had a positive reaction.

“The owners of the day care centers are screaming for help,” Mel Ramirez said.

Firefighters entered the nursery with respirators and decontamination kits as signs of an emergency had taken over the children’s safe space.

Ramirez heard the woman crying, and neighbors recognized the woman as the owner of Divino Nino, a day care center located in the basement of the building.

“I turned the corner and saw one of the kids lying unresponsive, and then the second lady came out with one of the kids and he was unresponsive,” Ramirez added.

“I want 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,” neighbor Shytisha Miller said.

Neighbors said the daycare center had a good reputation.

“These are good people. Something bad happened, I don’t know about it, but don’t condemn them,” Ana Ortiz Irwin said.

The eight-month-old girl and two-year-old boy are expected to survive. Another two-year-old boy remains in critical condition.

The daycare owner is cooperating with police.

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