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Authorities in Illinois reported on Tuesday that a tragic car crash into an after-school facility, which resulted in the deaths of a teenager and three children, does not appear to have been a targeted incident.
The incident occurred in Chatham, a small city near Springfield, when a vehicle traversed a field before colliding with the building on Monday afternoon.
According to police updates, the victims included two seven-year-olds, an eight-year-old, and an 18-year-old. Six additional children were hospitalized, with one in critical condition, as noted by The Associated Press.
The driver of the vehicle escaped uninjured but was taken to a hospital for a medical evaluation.
While a toxicology report is pending, authorities have not yet confirmed whether the driver has been arrested or is in custody. Investigations are ongoing, but police stress that the crash does not seem to be intentional.
The building that sustained the impact serves as the headquarters for a local organization called Youth Needing Other Things, which organizes after-school programs and summer activities.
Governor JB Pritzker expressed his anguish in a statement on Monday, stating, “I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon. My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing — something that no parent should ever have to endure.” He mentioned that his office is attentively monitoring the situation and stands ready to offer assistance.
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On Monday evening, the Chatham police made a heartfelt plea on their Facebook page for the community’s prayers, stating, “A terrible tragedy has occurred here that has affected all of us.”
In response, numerous community members changed their Facebook profile pictures to display a red ribbon along with the message “Chatham Strong.”
The crash occurred shortly after a devastating vehicle incident in Vancouver, B.C., where a black Audi SUV drove into crowds at a Filipino heritage festival, claiming the lives of 11 individuals aged five to 65 and injuring 32 others.
According to Vancouver police spokesperson Steve Addison, seven of those injured remain in critical condition, while three are reported in serious condition.
In connection with the Vancouver incident, a search warrant was executed at a residence in East Vancouver on Monday night. Kai-Ji Adam Lo has been arrested and is facing eight counts of second-degree murder, with the possibility of further charges. He is currently in custody.
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globalnews.ca