A car struck several people and crashed into a school in Chatham, Illinois, USA, on Monday (April 28th), killing four children between the ages of 4 and 18.
According to preliminary information, the tragic incident occurred around 3:20 p.m. at the YNOT After School Camp, located at 301 Breckenridge Rd., according to the Illinois State Police (ISP). The driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, first struck several people outside the building.
The vehicle then crashed through the east wall of the building, and struck more people inside, before finally exiting through the west wall. Authorities confirmed that three of the children died outside the center, while the fourth victim died inside the building.
Several people were injured: one of them was airlifted to a hospital due to the severity of his injuries. Although the driver was not injured, emergency services transported him to a local hospital for evaluation.
Authorities have not yet determined whether the crash was intentional, and are continuing to investigate in conjunction with the Chatham Police Department.
What Are Investigators Saying?
Authorities have not yet determined whether the crash was intentional and are continuing to investigate in conjunction with the Chatham Police Department. Chatham Police Department Deputy Chief Scott Tarter explained that the vehicle traveled through several sections of the school, leaving a tragic aftermath.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his dismay on social media and offered support to the community, assuring them that his administration is closely monitoring the situation. As a precautionary measure, police closed Walnut St. to traffic between Park St. and Gordon Drive until further notice.
The Chatham community, located about 19 kilometers south of Springfield, remains in shock as they await progress in the investigation. U.S. authorities are leading the joint investigation to clarify the case.