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Tragedy struck in the central Illinois town of Chatham on Monday when four children, aged 4 to 18, lost their lives after a vehicle crashed into a building that hosted an after-school program, according to state police.
Authorities received reports around 3:20 p.m. about the vehicle colliding with the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp, located at 301 Breckenridge Rd. Initial investigations revealed that the car struck several individuals outside before breaking through the structure, causing further injuries to people inside. The vehicle ultimately exited the building through an opposing wall.
Emergency responders transported several injured individuals to nearby hospitals; one was even airlifted by helicopter due to the severity of their condition. Fortunately, the driver of the vehicle did not sustain injuries but was taken to a hospital for medical evaluation.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed his “horror and deep sadness” over the incident, noting the profound loss felt by the community. “Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them,” Pritzker lamented in a social media post.
The governor also mentioned that his administration was closely monitoring the situation and emphasized the importance of community support during this difficult time. In another message, he encouraged residents to unite in support of those affected.
Illinois State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield), who represents the area, released a heartfelt statement, reflecting on the heartbreak experienced by families in the wake of the tragedy. “When we drop our kids off in the morning, we should always have the utmost belief that they will come home safely at the end of the day,” Turner stated. “For some families, that belief was shaken today following the tragedy at Y.N.O.T. in Chatham.”
Turner expressed her gratitude to first responders, law enforcement, and volunteers, stating her office was prepared to assist the community in any way possible as they navigate this crisis.
In a practical measure to assist affected families, Chatham Village Trustee Kristen Chiaro announced on Facebook that the Chatham Baptist Church would serve as a reunification point for families with children attending the after-school program. Authorities have since shut down traffic on Walnut Street between Park Street and Gordon Drive to secure the area.
Chatham, located approximately 12 miles south of Springfield in Sangamon County, should not be confused with the Chatham neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago.
As investigations into the incident continue, the community remains in shock, grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event.
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