At least four people were killed and six injured after a vehicle crashed through a daycare centre in Chatham, Illinois, on Monday. The US tragedy comes just days after a similar gut-wrenching incident shook Vancouver at a Filipino heritage festival.
Chatham Police Department disclosed that three people were hit outside of the after-school program YNOT (Youth Needing Other Things) Outdoors Summer Camp. A fourth individual was killed inside.
According to a statement from the Illinois State Police, those killed are all believed to be minors between the ages of 4 and 18, as per ABC News. The incident took place just after 3 PM. Although little is known about the injuries, several were hospitalised and one was airlifted from the scene.
What do we know about the Illinois after-school camp crash’s suspect so far
The police is pursuing the driver of the vehicle as a suspect. At the time of writing, no arrests were announced. The ISP has since revealed that the driver, who was also the sole occupant of the car, remained uninjured. The suspect was eventually taken to a local hospital for evaluation. The Illinois State Police and the Chatham Police Department have joined forces in the investigation.
UPDATE: The suspect driving a black jeep is believed to be a “drunk” woman, according to a Daily Mail report. Witnesses at the scene said that the she failed a field sobriety test and was ultimately handcuffed. She reportedly crashed into the east side of the after-school camp, which is run by college students and “very mature high-school seniors” who aspire to become educators.
Illinois governor and senator issue statements
“My administration is closely monitoring the crash in Chatham,” Illinois Governor JB Pritzker wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “As we continue to learn more, please follow the guidance of all local authorities. Let’s wrap our arms around the community tonight as we receive updates on the situation.”
He added, “Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning not knowing it would be the last time. Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them.”
“Heartbroken” Illinois Senator Doris Turner also released a statement, saying, “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.
“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. I want to thank the first responders, law enforcement and volunteers.”
Just this weekend, Kai-Ji Adam Lo, a 30-year-old man, was charged with eight counts of second-degree murder after he rammed a black Audi SUV into a crowd at Lapu Lapu Day festival in Vancouver. Authorities ruled out terrorism as a motive as Lo reportedly has a history of mental health issues. At least 11 victims killed in the horrific unravelling were between the ages of 5 and 65. Two dozen people were injured.
This is an ongoing investigation.