Washington, D.C. – The owner and staff of a daycare center in the Anacostia neighborhood were hailed as heroes on Saturday for their quick actions in saving 16 children from the impact of a gas explosion that rocked their community in January.
DC Fire leaders and Mayor Muriel Bowser recognized the childcare center for their bravery in ensuring the safety of the children during the frightening incident. The owner of Baby Einstein Child Development Center, Regina Snead, expressed gratitude for the acknowledgment, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to safeguard the children in their care.
The incident, which occurred on January 18 in the 1200 block of Marion Barry Avenue SE, resulted in a devastating explosion that destroyed a building housing a convenience store and caused damage to neighboring structures, including the daycare center. Without hesitation, Snead and her staff evacuated the building upon detecting the smell of gas, ensuring that all the children, aged between 2 months to 4 years old, were safely evacuated.
In recognition of their heroic efforts, the daycare center received two awards for their commitment to protecting the youngest residents of the District of Columbia. DC Fire Chief John Donnelly commended the staff for their quick thinking and efficient actions, reassuring parents of the center’s preparedness and dedication to child safety.
Snead humbly accepted the accolades, attributing the successful evacuation to the collective efforts of the dedicated staff members who exhibited exceptional skills in ensuring the children’s safety. The incident serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role childcare providers play in safeguarding the well-being of young children in times of crisis.