CHATHAM, Ill. – Officials stated on Tuesday that they do not believe the crash into an Illinois after-school building that resulted in the deaths of three children and one teenager was intentional.
The incident involved a car traveling through a field before crashing into a building in Chatham, a small city near Springfield, Illinois, on Monday afternoon. According to the latest update on Tuesday morning, two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old lost their lives. Additionally, six more children were transported to hospitals, with one still in critical condition.
The driver from Illinois, who fortunately did not sustain any injuries, was taken to a hospital for assessment. Authorities mentioned that toxicology reports are currently pending, and whether the driver has been arrested or detained has not been disclosed.
The cause was under investigation, but police said the crash doesn’t appear to be a targeted attack.
Monday’s crash was the latest instance of people driving vehicles into groups of people across the globe. Only two days earlier, a car plowed through a crowded street during a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, British Columbia, killing 11.
The struck building and facilities in Illinois house Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors, which holds after-school programs and summer camps, according to its website.
“I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon,” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement Monday. “My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing – something that no parent should ever have to endure.”
He said his office was monitoring the situation and was ready to lend support.
As evening fell Monday, police cars with lights flashing still blocked streets leading to the building. On its Facebook account, the Chatham Police Department asked for prayers.
“A terrible tragedy has occurred here that has affected all of us,” the message ended.
By Monday night, some members of the community and beyond had changed their Facebook profile photos to an image of a red ribbon and the words “Chatham Strong.”
___
Associated Press reporter Lisa Baumann contributed to this report from Bellingham, Washington.
Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
