4 dead, including children, after car crashes into Illinois after-school center

At least four people, including children, were killed on Monday afternoon after a car crashed into an after-school facility in Chatham, Illinois, the State Police said.

The driver rammed into the YNOT program facility building and drove directly through it, crushing out the other side.

According to ABC7 Chicago, the vehicle hit several individuals outside the YNOT Outdoors building before continuing through the building, striking more individuals inside, and coming out through the west wall.

Four individuals, aged between 4 and 18, were killed in the accident, the Illinois State Police confirmed. Six others were transported to hospitals in the area for treatment. The driver, who was not injured, was transported to a hospital for assessment.

Traffic on Walnut Street between Park Street and Gordon Drive has been closed until further notice, police stated.

CAR CRASHED INTO BUILDING

Deputy Chief of Police in Chatham, Scott Tarter, said the emergency call came in around 3:20 p.m. “The car drove through the east side of YNOT Outdoors, an after-school program,” Tarter said.

Chatham Police Department, Chatham Fire Department and other agencies officers responded to a call of a car crashing into Y.N.O.T. After School Camp, the State Police reported.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker provided the update about the incident on X, saying, “My administration is closely monitoring the crash in Chatham. As we continue to learn more, please follow the guidance of all local authorities. Let’s wrap our arms around the community tonight as we receive updates on the situation.”

Meanhwile, in response to the incident, Chatham Village Trustee Kristen Chiaro posted a message on Facebook. “There is an emergency at YNOT Outdoors in Chatham. The Chatham Baptist Church will be the reunification point for families who have children at YNOT. Prayers to all,” Chiaro wrote.

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