Illinois: At least four people, including children, were killed and several others injured after a vehicle struck a group of people and drove through a building used by an after-school camp in Chatham, Illinois.
Authorities said that, the victims ranged in age from four to 18 and were part of the YNOT After School Camp programme. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. local time, with the vehicle first hitting multiple people outside the building before continuing through the structure, striking more individuals inside, and exiting through the opposite wall.
Illinois State Police confirmed that three of the victims were struck outside the building, while one was hit inside. Six others were injured and transported to area hospitals by ambulance and medical helicopter. The driver of the vehicle was not injured but was taken to a hospital for evaluation. Officials have not disclosed the driver’s age, and no motive has yet been determined.
Large holes were visible in the building’s walls in video footage shared online, and authorities closed off traffic in the area. Police from across Illinois responded to secure the scene, assist victims, and help parents locate their children.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker addressed the tragedy, stating that, “Let’s wrap our arms around the community tonight as we receive updates on the situation.”
State Senator Doris Turner also expressed heartbreak over the event and said her office was ready to support local efforts. Chatham police called for prayers, while the investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.
YNOT After School Camp offers outdoor activities such as field trips, hiking, and fishing for children in the local area. Chatham is located just three miles from the Illinois state capital, Springfield, and has a population of about 14,000.
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