Four children dead after car crashes into after-school camp
A tragic incident occurred in Chatham, Illinois, when a vehicle plowed through the YNOT After School Camp, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including children, and leaving several others injured. The car struck multiple people outside before penetrating the building from its eastern side and exiting through the western side. Victims ranged in age from four to eighteen, with three fatalities occurring outside and one inside the building. Injured persons were transported to local hospitals, with one requiring a life flight helicopter for urgent care, while the uninjured driver was taken to a hospital for evaluation. The situation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as authorities continue their investigation into the crash.
The incident took place at approximately 3:20 p.m. at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, which is located south of Springfield, when a car drove through the building, causing multiple casualties.
Four individuals, including children, lost their lives in the crash, with three being struck outside the building and one inside, and the ages of the deceased are believed to be between four and eighteen.
The vehicle entered the structure from the east side, causing chaos and destruction, and exited through the western side, according to Chatham Police Department Deputy Chief Scott Tarter.
Multiple injuries resulted from the crash, with victims being transported to local hospitals for treatment, and one person requiring transport by a life flight helicopter due to the severity of their injuries.
The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, did not sustain any injuries in the crash and was taken to a local hospital for a thorough evaluation as part of the investigation process.
Authorities, including the Illinois State Police, are actively investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash and are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The local community is reeling from the tragedy, and the situation remains fluid with developing details as emergency services and law enforcement continue their work on the scene.