Four dead after car crashes through after-school camp

A tragic incident occurred in Illinois when a car crashed into a building that was being used for an after-school camp, resulting in the deaths of four individuals, including children. The YNOT After School Camp, located in Chatham, a village just three miles from the state capital, Springfield, was the site of this unfortunate event. The crash took place on a Monday afternoon, and the police reported that the victims ranged in age from four to eighteen years old. In addition to the fatalities, several others sustained injuries during the incident. According to reports, the vehicle struck multiple individuals outside the building before continuing through the structure and hitting more people inside. The state police stated that it does not appear to be a targeted attack, and they are currently investigating the cause of the crash. Authorities responded to the scene around 3:30 PM local time to assist those affected. Three of the deceased were outside when the vehicle struck them, while one victim was inside the building at the time of the crash. Police from various departments across Illinois arrived to secure the area and help parents locate their children. Footage shared online showed significant damage to the building, with large holes where the car had crashed through. Traffic in the vicinity was also halted to ensure safety. Six individuals were injured and transported to the hospital via ambulance and helicopter. The driver of the vehicle was unharmed but was taken to the hospital for evaluation. In a message posted on social media, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his condolences and stated that his administration was monitoring the situation closely. He urged the community to come together during this difficult time. State senator Doris Turner expressed her heartbreak over the incident and mentioned that her office was prepared to assist local authorities. The Chatham police department also reached out to the community through Facebook, asking for prayers for those affected. The YNOT After School Camp provides outdoor programs for children, including activities like hiking and fishing, as well as field trips. Chatham is a small village with a population of around 14,000 people, located just a few miles from Springfield.