Chatham crash: SUV crash into YNOT After School Camp on Breckenridge Road killing 4 does not appear targeted, ISP says
Share and Follow

CHATHAM, Ill. (WLS) — A crash where an SUV drove through a downstate after-school camp on Monday afternoon killing four students and injuring six others does not appear targeted, officials said.

Illinois State Police said Tuesday morning two seven-year-old girls, an eight-year-old girl and an 18-year-old were killed. Six other children were injured and one remains in critical condition, police said.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

ISP said officers responded to the YNOT After School Camp, located at 301 Breckenridge Road in Chatham, around 3:20 p.m. That’s just south of Springfield.

“The vehicle crashed into the east side of the building went through the building and exited outside the west side of the building,” said Chatham Police Deputy Chief Scott Tarter.

Police said the vehicle left the road for unknown reasons and traveled through a field before hitting the building.

The Sangamon County coroner said four students died in the crash.

One of the victims who died was inside the building at the time of the crash, and the three others were outside, ISP said.

ISP initially said the driver, who was the only person inside the SUV, was taken to a local hospital for evaluation but was not injured. Tuesday morning, police said the driver, a 44-year-old woman, was not in custody.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker released a statement, saying, “I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon. 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. My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing – something that no parent should ever have to endure. MK and I extend our prayers and deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this unspeakable tragedy.

Illinois State Police has begun working with the Chatham Police Department to investigate the incident and will provide the public with more information when it becomes available. My office is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to support in any way that we can. We are grateful for all the first responders assisting our community during this difficult time.”

The investigation is ongoing.

Further information was not immediately available.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Trump denies reports he has decided to strike Venezuela

New DDHQ Survey Reveals Dip in Trump Approval as Economic Worries Mount

A recent /DDHQ poll, released on Sunday, indicates that a significant number…
What is Día de los Muertos? Here's what to know about the Day of the Dead

Discover the Meaning Behind Día de los Muertos: Everything You Need to Know About the Day of the Dead

This weekend marks the start of Dia de los Muertos, a vibrant…
Meghan Markle 'wants to become a billionaire', says royal expert

Meghan Markle’s Ambitious Path to Billionaire Status: Royal Expert Weighs In

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry boast a combined wealth estimated at £60…
Outrage as Swedish court refuses to deport convicted rapist, PM promises crackdown

Swedish Court’s Controversial Decision on Convicted Rapist Sparks National Outrage; PM Vows Swift Legal Reforms

A Swedish appeals court’s ruling to not deport a man convicted of…
Jayden Daniels suffers gruesome elbow injury

Jayden Daniels Endures a Severe Elbow Injury

Jayden Daniels faced a severe elbow injury during the Washington Commanders’ crushing…
Dexter Lawrence makes Giants hopes clear before trade deadline looms

Dexter Lawrence Sets Clear Expectations for Giants Ahead of Trade Deadline

Dexter Lawrence has made it clear: he’s committed to sticking with the…
Dodgers' World Series win cements them as a historic dynasty

Dodgers Secure World Series Victory, Solidifying Their Status as a Historic Dynasty

TORONTO — The Dodgers have cemented their place in baseball lore, achieving…
Trump’s MRI scan raises specter of secrecy in presidential health

Trump’s MRI Scan Sparks Debate Over Transparency in Presidential Health

President Trump’s recent revelation about undergoing an MRI scan is sparking renewed…