Driver charged in Chapel Hill playground crash that sent 2 kids to hospital

According to the Chapel Hill Police Department, Fiona Evans has been charged with a safe-movement violation after police said a driver ran through the fence and struck the playground equipment outside Northside Elementary School around 4 p.m.

Investigators said Evans was parking her SUV next to the playground when she hit her gas pedal instead of her brake pedal. Her SUV crashed through a fence and struck playground equipment.

Multiple people called 911 following the crash, including a woman who said her car crashed through the playground.

I thought I was braking but I accidentally pushed the gas," the woman tells the 911 dispatcher.

Evans was taken to UNC Hospitals along with two children. On Wednesday, only one child remained at the hospital, police said.

A third child was treated at the school for minor injuries.

"I saw children being taken out into the ambulance," said parent Kevin Reeves. "Then I saw the car through the gate."

The children are expected to recover, school leaders said on Wednesday.

Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools leaders said the children on the playground were between 5 to 9 years old.

"I didn't know what happened but I knew it had to be a crash," described Tiffany Riley, who lives near the elementary school.

"Our thoughts are with the students and families of all involved, as well as the staff members and students who witnessed what happened," said Andy Jenks, a spokesman the school district.

Chapel Hill Police Crisis Counselors are assisting the families involved.

"We'll be keeping staff and families informed of other support and arrangements that we'll have in place throughout the week as result of the incident," said Jenks.

"[Tuesday] was something that was indeed traumatizing, and how do we then b ui

Authorities said an investigation is ongoing and did not provide the public with any other details on the crash.