CHATHAM, Ill. — Four people, including children, were killed and several others injured Monday after a vehicle crashed into a building housing an after-school camp in Chatham, a small village near Springfield.
According to Illinois State Police, the crash occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. local time at the YNOT After School Camp. Authorities said the victims, who ranged in age from four to 18, were struck both outside and inside the building.
Police reported that the vehicle first hit multiple people outside the facility before smashing through the structure, injuring more individuals inside, and exiting through the opposite side. It remains unclear whether the crash was accidental or intentional.
Emergency responders transported several victims to nearby hospitals by ambulance and helicopter. The driver, who was uninjured, was also taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Three of the deceased victims were struck outside the building, while the fourth was hit inside, according to officials. Images shared on social media showed large holes torn through the facility’s walls.
In a statement posted on X, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said his administration was monitoring the situation closely. “Let’s wrap our arms around the community tonight as we receive updates on the situation,” Pritzker wrote.
Chatham, home to about 14,000 residents, is located roughly three miles (4.8 kilometers) south of the state capital, Springfield.
The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing.
