Four young people, including a child as young as 4, have died, while others were injured after an SUV drove through an after-school program facility in Illinois.
The incident took place at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham at about 3:20 p.m.
The SUV smashed into the east side of the camp and drove right through it.
“The vehicle struck multiple people outside the building before continuing through the building,” Illinois State Police said.
Highlights
- An SUV crashed through YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, killing four youngsters aged 4 to 18.
- Three victims were struck outside the camp, while one was hit inside.
- The driver was unharmed, taken into custody, and is under hospital evaluation.
- Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed deep sorrow, highlighting the community's grief and the tragic impact on families.
Four young victims lost their lives when an SUV drove through YNOT After School Camp in Chatham
Image credits: Google Maps
Image credits: IllinoisStatePolice
“The vehicle also struck multiple people inside the building before exiting through the west wall of the structure.”
According to police, the four victims who lost their lives were aged between 4 and 18 years. NBC reported that all four were females.
Three of them were hit while outside the building, while the fourth was struck inside.
The names of the victims have not yet been released, pending family notifications.
Images show structural damage to the after-school camp building
Image credits: Aarika Jo / CNN
While officials have not yet confirmed the condition of those injured, at least one individual required airlifting by a Life Flight helicopter, indicating the severity of the crash.
The driver was unharmed in the crash and was taken into custody at the scene, and was later transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
The driver’s identity has not been released yet, and law enforcement has not confirmed whether the crash was intentional, accidental, or if the driver was intoxicated.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that his office is closely monitoring the incident.
“Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning, not knowing it would be the last time,” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said
Image credits: GovPritzker
“I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and the numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon,” he said.
“Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning, not knowing it would be the last time. My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing — something that no parent should ever have to endure.”
Chatham, a small town located about three miles south of the state capital, Springfield, is home to just over 14,000 residents, with its tight-knit community left reeling in the wake of the tragedy.
The incident is part of a pattern of recent vehicle-related crashes across Illinois.
In March, a Tesla plowed into a suburban home, killing two people.
Just over a week ago, on April 19, a man died and another was critically injured after their SUV slammed into a hotel near Chicago’s famed Magnificent Mile.
In January, another driver crashed into a house in Lake in the Hills, but no one was injured in that incident.
YNOT After School Camp describes its mission as providing a safe and active environment for children during out-of-school hours. It hosts a variety of programs, including hiking, fishing, and educational field trips.
Footage of the site shared online shows structural damage to the camp building.
Warning: The video below may contain content that is disturbing or upsetting to some viewers.
There are gaping holes in the walls and debris scattered on the ground. Police vehicles, emergency personnel, and a medical helicopter were also seen at the site.
“If you believe in the power of prayer, please take a moment to pray right now for the entire Chatham community,” Chatham police said on their Facebook page. “A terrible tragedy has occurred here that has affected all of us.”
Investigations into the incident are ongoing.