Car A devastating incident unfolded when a vehicle drove into an after-school program area, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, among them children.
The crash occurred while activities were underway, sending shockwaves through the community.
Car Plows Through Illinois After-School Camp, Killing Four Girls Aged 4 to 18
Four young girls, aged between 4 and 18, lost their lives and multiple others were injured after a car careened through an after-school camp in Chatham, Illinois, authorities reported.
Chatham Police Deputy Chief Scott Tarter stated during a press briefing that the vehicle hit several individuals outside the facility before breaching the eastern wall of the building and exiting through the western side.
Three victims were struck outside the building, while one was hit inside, officials confirmed.
Several injured individuals were taken to nearby hospitals, including one person airlifted due to the severity of their injuries.
Emergency vehicles surrounded the area, and a helicopter was seen flying overhead as authorities responded to the tragedy.
Driver Unharmed in Deadly Camp Crash as Community Grieves and Investigations Continue
The driver involved in the fatal crash at the YNOT After School Camp, identified as the only person in the vehicle, was not injured but was taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation, according to the Illinois State Police.
Authorities have not disclosed what led to the crash, nor have they confirmed whether the driver will face any legal consequences.
Chatham police directed further inquiries to state investigators, who had no new updates as of Monday evening.
YNOT After School Camp promotes itself as a “safe, engaging, and dynamic environment” offering both after-school programs and summer care for children.
“My heart aches for these families who are living every parent’s worst nightmare,” he said.
The Chatham Police Department also shared a heartfelt message on Facebook, urging people to pray for the grieving community. “An unspeakable tragedy has touched us all here in Chatham,” the post read.
In response to the tragedy, Glenwood Middle School will offer grief counseling services beginning Tuesday morning, according to local affiliate WAND. The Ball-Chatham School District announced that all classes will shift to remote learning for the day, and all extracurricular activities are canceled.
Chatham Village President David Kimsey emphasized that the district’s top priority is student well-being. “We are grieving the loss of four young lives,” he wrote, adding, “In moments like this, words fall short. The pain is too deep, the loss too great.”