Car crash that killed 4 at Illinois after-school camp doesn’t appear to be targeted attack, police say
A tragic car crash at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, resulted in the deaths of four children, aged 7 to 18, and injuries to six others. The Illinois State Police have indicated that the incident does not appear to be a targeted attack, though the cause of the crash remains under investigation. The vehicle, driven by a sole occupant who was unharmed, inexplicably left the road, traveled through a field, and crashed into the side of the camp building. The community, deeply affected by the loss, has initiated counseling services and shifted school activities to e-learning as they mourn. Local authorities, along with Governor JB Pritzker, are closely monitoring the situation, expressing profound sympathy and urging community support in this time of grief.
The crash occurred when a vehicle left the road for unknown reasons and crashed into the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, killing four children and injuring six others.
The victims, identified as female students, included two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old, with six other children hospitalized, one in critical condition.
Authorities have stated that the incident does not appear to be a targeted attack, but the investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with toxicology reports pending.
The driver of the vehicle, who was the only occupant, was not injured and was taken to a hospital for evaluation; it remains unclear if charges will be filed against them.
The Chatham community is mourning the loss, with counseling services provided at Glenwood Middle School and a shift to e-learning in the Ball-Chatham School District.
Chatham Village President David Kimsey and Governor JB Pritzker have expressed their condolences and are urging support for the grieving community.
The YNOT After School Camp is known for providing a safe and stimulating environment for children, making the tragedy even more poignant for the local population of about 14,000 people.