Deadly crash at Illinois after-school camp leaves four young girls dead
Illinois camp tragedy: Car crashes into building, kills four young students (Screenshot: YouTube)
Four young girls tragically lost their lives after a vehicle rammed through the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, according to NBC News.
Vehicle crashes into children's camp, killing four and injuring several
On Monday afternoon, a devastating accident occurred when a car plowed into the east side of a building used by the YNOT After School Camp around 3:20 p.m. local time.
According to state police, the vehicle struck multiple people inside the facility before smashing through the west wall.
Hole in camp wall where car crashed, killing four students (Screenshot: YouTube)
Four female students, aged between 4 and 18, were pronounced dead at the scene, Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon confirmed in a statement.
Three of the victims were outside the building, while one was found inside.
Authorities stressed that there is no indication this was a targeted attack, and toxicology tests have been conducted on the driver, who remains hospitalized but was reportedly uninjured.
Camp wall torn open where car crashed through (Screenshot: YouTube)
Examinations of the victims' bodies were scheduled for Tuesday, with names to be released once families are notified.
Chatham community mourns as investigation continues
The crash has left the Chatham community reeling. "If you believe in the power of prayer, please take a moment to pray right now for the entire Chatham community," the local police department urged in a statement.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also expressed deep sorrow, saying, "Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them."
In response to the tragedy, the Ball-Chatham School District canceled in-person classes on Tuesday, declaring an e-learning day to prioritize the emotional well-being of students and staff.
The YNOT After School Camp, founded in 2002 by a Springfield couple, remains at the center of the investigation as authorities work to determine the exact cause of the crash.
Other deadly incidents this week
The tragedy in Chatham is the latest in a series of heartbreaking incidents making headlines this week.
Just days earlier, in Clearwater, Florida, a ferry crash left one person dead and several injured after a private boat struck the vessel and fled the scene.
Another deadly event occurred at Elizabeth City State University in North Carolina, where a campus celebration turned tragic after a shooting left one man dead and six others injured during weekend festivities.
