Four people killed when vehicle smashes through downstate Illinois after-school building, police say

Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune on Apr 29, 2025

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CHATHAM, Ill. — Four people were killed and several others injured Monday afternoon when a vehicle plowed through an after-school program facility just outside Springfield.

The victims who died were two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old and an 18-year-old, according to the Illinois State Police, which is working on the case with local law enforcement. As many as six other children were taken to area hospitals, including one reported in critical condition.

On Tuesday morning, the state police said that while the cause of the crash remains under investigation, it did not appear to be a targeted attack.

The crash occurred around 3:20 p.m. Monday at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, a town of about 14,500 just south of Illinois’ state capital.

The state police said the vehicle left the road “for unknown reasons,” rode through a field and slammed through the east side of the building before it plowed through another side of it.

“The vehicle struck multiple people outside of the building before continuing through the building,” the state police said in a news release. “The vehicle also struck multiple people inside (the) building before exiting through the west wall of the structure.”

The driver, a 44-year-old Chatham woman who was taken to an area hospital for an evaluation, was the only person in the vehicle and wasn’t hurt, authorities said. State police have not said whether any charges have been filed in the crash.

On Monday evening, state police and officers from the Chatham Police Department cordoned off the immediate area around the building. Yellow tape appeared to be visible from a distance, blocking off a section of the east side of the building where the start of the crash apparently took place. A police command van could be seen on the other side of the building.

Gov. JB Pritzker issued a statement saying he was “horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries” at the facility.

“Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them. Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning not knowing it would be the last time,” the governor said in the statement Monday evening. “My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing — something that no parent should ever have to endure. (First Lady) MK and I extend our prayers and deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this unspeakable tragedy.”

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