A tragic crash involving an SUV in Chatham, Illinois, caused the deaths of four female students outside an after-school building. The dead students, though not individually identified, were confirmed to range in age from seven to 18.
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According to a news release issued by Illinois State Police (ISP), the incident took place on Monday, April 28, at around 3:20 p.m. Allegedly, a driver, for reasons unknown, drove off the road and traveled through a field, eventually hitting students outside of the YNOT After School Camp, located at 301 Breckenridge Road in Chatham.
As a result, four individuals died in the crash. While ISP originally reported that the youngest fatal victim was four years of age, in a subsequent update issued on Tuesday, April 29, ISP confirmed that two seven-year-olds, an eight-year-old, and an 18-year-old died in the crash. In the initial news release, ISP reported that three of the dead students were stuck outside the building. The remaining one was struck inside it.
The SUV continued to drive through the building and exited the other side. Additionally, six other children were injured in the incident. All were rushed to local hospitals and, as per ISP, one remains in critical condition.
Additional Details And Reaction
Regarding the SUV driver, police report that they were the only occupant in the vehicle. The driver was uninjured but was transferred to a local hospital for evaluation. Police are still waiting for toxicology reports, but do not believe that the incident was a "targeted attack." The cause of the crash and the incident itself remain under investigation.
The nature of the car crash and its victims have left the community of Chatham in shock. The Chatham Police Department, for example, alongside the incident information, asked for the community's prayers.
"If you believe in the power of prayer, please take a moment to pray right now for the entire Chatham community," they
wrote. "A terrible tragedy has occurred here that has affected all of us."Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued a statement following the tragic crash.
"I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon," Pritzker wrote on X. "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."
