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Toddler Injured At Smithfield Daycare Released From Hospital

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SMITHFIELD, N.C. — A 10-month-old girl who was injured after a car backed into a church day-care center in Smithfield Tuesday morning has been relased from the hospital.

Rescue workers said Aaliyah Hunter, of Selma, was sitting in a baby swing inside a nursery room at the Shiloh Christian Church Child Development Center when a Buick sedan backed into the side of the building.

Workers said Hunter was thrown across the room from the impact. She was taken to Johnston Memorial Hospital, then airlifted to the pediatric intensive care unit at UNC Hospitals in Chapel Hill.

Hunter, who was listed in fair condition, was released Wednesday.

Three other children, one year old or younger, and two adult day-care workers were transported to Johnston Memorial for treatment of minor injuries. All were treated and released Tuesday.

Thelma Holmes, 55, of Smithfield remained at the hospital for observation, but was released noon Wednesday.

The child-care center is located on Durham Street, about three blocks south of U.S. 70, and cares for children ages five weeks to 12 years old.

Two rooms in the building have been condemned by the county. Day-care officials said the day-care center will re-open Wednesday.

The driver of the car, Charles Watson, 55, of Smithfield, said he had some sort of brake malfunction while working on his friend's 1996 Buick in the church parking lot.

Police said the Buick slammed through the building whiletraveling about 15 miles per hour.

No charges have been filed.

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