CHATHAM, Ill. (WAND) – Four children are dead and several people are hurt after a vehicle drove through an after school camp and building in Chatham on Monday afternoon, according to Illinois State Police.
The crash happened at the YNOT After School Camp around 3:20 p.m. near Breckenridge Road and E. Walnut Street.
ISP said the four dead are between the ages of 4 and 18 years old. Three victims were struck outside of a building before the vehicle went into the building and hit another person, according to police. The vehicle then exited the building.
Several people were also taken to area hospitals, including one by helicopter. ISP has not said how many people were transported or released their conditions.
Chatham YNOT crash 4-28-25
State police said the driver of the vehicle was not hurt, but was taken to a hospital for evaluation. It’s not clear if the person is facing charges or what caused the crash.
Police said Walnut Street between Park Street and Gordon Drive is closed.
Chatham Village Trustee Kristen Chiaro said the Chatham Baptist Church is being used as a reunification point for families with kids at YNOT.
Ball-Catham School District Spokesperson Danny Frey said school on Tuesday will be eLearning and all extracurricular activities are canceled.
“Our deepest thoughts and prayers are with the affected families,” Frey said in a statement to WAND News.
Counseling services will be available at Glenwood Middle School on Tuesday starting at 9 a.m. The district is also taking supplies and donations at Glenwood High School on Tuesday starting at 10 a.m.
YNOT Outdoors (Youth Needing Other Things) was founded in 2002, according to the organization’s website. The non-profit allows parents to let children attend after school and summer programs. It was founded by Springfield natives Jamie and Mitzi Loftus.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said his office is monitoring the investigation and prepared to help.
“I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon,” Pritzker said. “Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them.”
Pritzker and his wife, Mary Kathryn, extended their prayers and condolences.
State Senator Doris Turner represents part of the Chatham area. She also stated her office is willing to step in and help.
“When we drop our kids off in the morning, we should always have the utmost belief that they will come home safely at the end of the day,” Turner said. “For some families, that belief was shaken today following the tragedy at Y.N.O.T. in Chatham. I am heartbroken — there truly are no words to explain what the Chatham community is feeling and will feel for days, weeks and months to come.”
State Representative Mike Coffey’s district encompasses most of Chatham.
“My heart hurts for the tragic loss of life in Chatham today,” Coffey said on social media. “Please join me in praying for the families and the entire community as they grieve.”
This is a developing story.
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