Four dead, including children, after car crashes into after-school camp

CNN

By Taylor Romine and Zenebou Sylla, CNN

(CNN) — Four people are dead, including children, and several others are injured after a car crashed through an after-school camp in Chatham, Illinois, authorities said.

At about 3:20 p.m. Monday, police responded after a vehicle drove through the east side of the YNOT After School Camp, Illinois State Police said in a news release. Chatham is approximately 10 miles south of Springfield.

The vehicle struck several people outside the building as it entered through the eastern portion of the building, before exiting the western side of the structure, Chatham Police Department Deputy Chief Scott Tarter said at a brief news conference.

The people who died are believed to be between the ages of 4 and 18, state police said.

Three of those killed were struck outside the building while another person was hit inside, authorities said.

Several people were transferred to local hospitals, including one person who was transported by helicopter, state police said.

Video of the scene shows a large building, similar to a gym, with a hole along the bottom. Several law enforcement vehicles can be seen and a helicopter is spotted flying over the area.

The driver, who was the sole occupant, was uninjured and taken to a local hospital for evaluation, state police said.

Chatham police later referred questions to the state police, which had no additional information mid-evening Monday. CNN has reached out to the after-school camp.

YNOT After School Camp describes itself as “a safe, fun, active and stimulating summer environment” that provides after-school care and summer camp.

Gov. JB Pritzker said his administration is “closely monitoring” the crash. “My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing – something that no parent should ever have to endure,” he said in a statement.

“If you believe in the power of prayer, please take a moment to pray right now for the entire Chatham community,” Chatham police said on their Facebook page. “A terrible tragedy has occurred here that has affected all of us.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.

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