compiled by Elmili TK
Chatham, Illinois — A devastating accident shook the small town of Chatham Monday afternoon when a car plowed through a community building during an after-school program, leaving four young people dead and several others injured, authorities confirmed.
Police say the incident occurred around 3:20 p.m. local time when a vehicle rammed through the Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors (YNOTO) facility, a local center that offers after-school activities and summer camps for young people. After crashing through the building and striking numerous individuals inside, the vehicle exited through the opposite side.
The victims, all female students between the ages of 4 and 18, were identified by Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon, though their names are being withheld until families are notified. Several other children and staff members were also injured and rushed to area hospitals for treatment.
The driver, who was alone in the car and reportedly uninjured, was transported to a hospital for evaluation. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the crash was accidental or deliberate, and no arrest has been announced at this time.
Deputy Police Chief Scott Tarter of Chatham Police Department said investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash. “This is an unspeakable tragedy that has shaken our entire community,” he said during a press briefing.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued a heartfelt statement expressing his sorrow: “I am horrified and deeply saddened by the loss of young lives and the numerous injuries in Chatham today. My heart aches for these families facing an unimaginable grief no parent should ever have to endure.”
He added that state officials are monitoring developments and offering support to the impacted families and community.
The horrific scene drew comparisons to a similar tragedy just two days earlier, when a vehicle drove into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, Canada, killing 11 people. Authorities worldwide have been grappling with a disturbing rise in such vehicle-into-crowd incidents.
By nightfall, Chatham’s streets remained cordoned off with police lights flashing around the impacted area. The Chatham Police Department posted a message on social media asking for thoughts and prayers, noting, “A terrible tragedy has occurred here that has affected all of us.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
