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A tragic incident occurred on Monday in Chatham, Illinois, where a vehicle crashed into a daycare center, resulting in the deaths of at least four individuals and injuring six others.
The victims, all female students aged between 4 and 18, were identified by local authorities, who stated that they would notify the families before releasing further details.
According to Chatham Police Deputy Chief Scott Tarter, the vehicle crashed through the east wall of the Youth Needing Other Things (YNOT) Outdoors camp, an after-school program, striking several individuals both inside and outside before exiting the building completely on Breckenridge Road.
Reports indicate that one of the deceased was inside the daycare while the other three were outside. Emergency responders received the call regarding the crash at approximately 3:20 PM local time.
The driver, the only person in the vehicle at the time, was unharmed but was taken to a local hospital for evaluation. All injured individuals were also transported to nearby medical facilities.
Village trustee Kristen Chiaro expressed her condolences online, stating, “My heart is with the families, loved ones, and all affected by the horrific tragedy that struck Chatham today.” She further acknowledged the efforts of first responders and emphasized the importance of community support during this difficult time.
Starting Tuesday morning, counseling services will be made available at Glenwood Middle School for students, staff, and family members impacted by the tragedy. Additionally, Glenwood High School will operate a donation station for supplies beginning at 10 AM.
As of Tuesday morning, authorities had yet to release further details regarding the cause of the crash or the identity of the driver.
Chatham, a village of approximately 14,000 residents, is situated just three miles southwest of Springfield in southern Illinois, about 90 minutes from St. Louis.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker remarked in a post on X, “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.”
In a follow-up statement, Pritzker expressed his shock, saying, “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.”
Illinois State Senator Doris Turner shared her sorrow over the incident and indicated that her office is prepared to assist local authorities with the ongoing investigation.
Source
www.yahoo.com