In a devastating incident on Monday afternoon, four children lost their lives after a vehicle crashed through a building in Chatham, Illinois. The children, aged between four and 18, were attending an after-school camp program at the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp when the tragedy occurred around 3:20 PM.
Located about 10 miles south of Springfield, the small town of Chatham was home to only about 15,000 residents. The fatal crash killed all three underage victims and seriously injured two additional victims. Eyewitnesses described the scene as the vehicle plowed through the crowd, reportedly hitting three people before crashing into the building. It then sped through the building and struck a second person as it came out on the other side.
Local law enforcement were quick to respond to emergency calls that described the hostile landscape. Local authorities still have not released any information about the driver who killed her. They’re quiet about what caused the crash in the first place. While we still mourn those lost, the priority has to be on supporting victims’ families and giving those injured the medical care they need.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker responded to the tragedy, calling it unthinkable and extending his condolences to those affected.
“I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon,” – Illinois governor JB Pritzker
The Chatham township police department encouraged the community to unite in bringing peace during this tragic period.
“If you believe in the power of prayer, please take a moment to pray right now for the entire Chatham community,” – Chatham police
The Governor Pritzker’s office has been watching the situation very closely and have signaled previously that they would step in and provide support as necessary. Our community is shaken to the core, mourning together in disbelief after this senseless tragedy. In particular, residents are still coming to terms with the loss of so many young lives, and the horrific injuries that others have suffered.