Police say that four people were killed Monday when a car crashed into an after-school camp in a small village in Illinois.
Illinois State Police (ISP) say the fatal accident happened at 3:20 p.m. when a car went off the road for no clear reason and crashed through a building at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham. Springs is about 11 miles south of the camp.
The car went through the building and hit several people inside before coming out the other side.
Two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old were among the four people who died. ISP said Tuesday morning that six more children were hurt and taken to area hospitals to be treated. One of them is still in serious condition.
Police said Monday that at least three people were hit outside the house.
ISP said in a statement Tuesday that the driver and only person in the car were not hurt and were taken to a nearby hospital to be checked out. “Toxicology reports are still being made.” The crash’s cause is still being looked into, but it doesn’t look like it was a planned attack.
Along with the Chatham Police Department, the Chatham Fire Department, the Springfield Police Department, the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, the Sangamon County Coroner, and many other first responders, ISP said that some of its units went to the scene.
Police said they are still looking into what happened.
“ISP offers its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and Chatham community during this difficult time,” ISP said in a press statement.
On Monday night, Gov. JB Pritzker released a statement saying he felt bad for the victims.
The governor wrote, “My administration is keeping a close eye on 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.”