Four individuals, suspected to be youngsters and teenagers, lost their lives in a tragic incident where a vehicle plowed through a downstate after-school camp in Chatham, as confirmed by the Illinois State Police.
Responding to the distressing situation, the Illinois State Police arrived at the YNOT After School Camp at 301 Breckenridge Road in Chatham at approximately 3:20 p.m., just south of Springfield.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The vehicle drove into the east side of the building, hitting people outside and inside, before crashing through the west side wall, ISP said.
ISP said four people died in the crash. Those victims are believed to be between 4 and 18 years old.
One of the victims who died was inside the building at the time of the crash, and the three others were outside, ISP said.
Several people were taken to local hospitals, and a helicopter airlifted one of them.
The driver, who was not injured, was taken to a local hospital for evaluation.
Walnut Street will be closed to traffic between Park Street and Gordon Drive until further notice, ISP said.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his shock and sorrow over the fatalities and injuries that occurred in Chatham. He conveyed his profound sadness for the loss of these young lives full of promise and innocence. The Governor empathized with the families who bid farewell to their children in the morning, unaware that it would be their final goodbye. Pritzker, along with his spouse, extended their prayers and sincere condolences to all those affected by this heart-wrenching tragedy.
Illinois State Police has begun working with the Chatham Police Department to investigate the incident and will provide the public with more information when it becomes available. My office is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to support in any way that we can. We are grateful for all the first responders assisting our community during this difficult time.”
The investigation is ongoing.
Further information was not immediately available.
Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.
