On Monday afternoon, a tragic incident occurred in Chatham, Ill., where an SUV crashed into an after-school camp, resulting in the deaths of four students and injuries to six others. Officials have stated that the crash does not appear to have been targeted.
According to the Illinois State Police, the victims included two seven-year-old girls, an eight-year-old girl, and an 18-year-old who lost their lives. Additionally, six other children sustained injuries, with one of them currently in critical condition.
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The Illinois State Police reported that the accident took place at the YNOT After School Camp on Breckenridge Road in Chatham, around 3:20 p.m. The camp is situated just south of Springfield.
“The vehicle crashed into the east side of the building went through the building and exited outside the west side of the building,” said Chatham Police Deputy Chief Scott Tarter.
Police said the vehicle left the road for unknown reasons and traveled through a field before hitting the building.
The Sangamon County coroner said four students died in the crash.
One of the victims who died was inside the building at the time of the crash, and the three others were outside, ISP said.
ISP initially said the driver, who was the only person inside the SUV, was taken to a local hospital for evaluation but was not injured. Tuesday morning, police said the driver, a 44-year-old woman, was not in custody.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker released a statement, saying, “I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon. Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them. Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning not knowing it would be the last time. My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing – something that no parent should ever have to endure. MK and I extend our prayers and deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this unspeakable 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.
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