CHATHAM, IL — Community Grieves After Tragic Crash at After-School Program Leaves Four Young People Dead
A devastating crash Monday afternoon has left the Chatham community in shock and mourning after a vehicle barreled into a building housing an after-school program, killing four young people and injuring several others. The horrific incident occurred at 3:20 p.m. at the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp, located at 301 Breckenridge Road in Chatham, Illinois.
According to authorities, the vehicle, a black SUV, veered off the roadway at high speed, careened through the parking lot, and smashed into the front of the building where children were gathered for activities. Emergency responders were dispatched immediately following multiple 911 calls from the scene, arriving within minutes to a scene of chaos and heartbreak.
Chatham Police Chief Mark Lewis, speaking at a somber press conference Monday evening, confirmed the fatalities. “We are devastated to report that four young lives were lost in today’s tragedy,” Lewis said, visibly emotional. “This is a day of unimaginable grief for our entire community.”
Authorities have not yet released the names or ages of the victims, pending notification of families. Several other children and staff members sustained injuries ranging from minor to critical and were transported to area hospitals for treatment. At least two victims remain in critical condition as of Monday night.
The driver of the SUV, who has not yet been publicly identified, was also taken to a local hospital and is under police custody. Investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that impairment or a medical emergency may have been factors, though officials stressed that the investigation is ongoing.
Witnesses described a horrifying scene. “There was a loud boom — like an explosion — and then just screams,” said Amanda Bryant, who lives nearby and rushed to the scene after hearing the impact. “It was pure chaos. Kids were crying and trying to get out of the building.”
YNOT Outdoors, a well-known and beloved fixture in the community, serves local children through a variety of programs, including summer camps, after-school tutoring, recreational activities, and meals. Founded in 2015, the organization has been praised for its work in giving young people a safe, nurturing environment outside of school hours.
Tony Hall, founder and executive director of YNOT Outdoors, issued a tearful statement Monday night. “We have always been a place of safety, joy, and growth for the children of Chatham,” Hall said. “Today, that sanctuary was shattered. We are heartbroken beyond words. Our prayers are with the families affected, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to support them through this unimaginable time.”
Grief counselors have been made available at local schools and community centers, and a candlelight vigil is being organized for Tuesday evening at the Chatham Town Square to honor the victims and support the grieving families.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker issued a statement expressing his condolences: “My heart breaks for the Chatham community and for the families who have suffered such unspeakable loss. The entire state of Illinois mourns with you.”
Meanwhile, Chatham residents are rallying to support those impacted. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to assist the families of the victims with funeral and medical expenses, quickly raising thousands of dollars in its first few hours.
“This is a tight-knit community,” said local pastor Maria Simmons. “When one of us suffers, we all suffer. We will stand together and help each other heal.”
The Chatham Police Department and the Illinois State Police are leading the ongoing investigation into the crash. Authorities are urging anyone with information or video footage of the incident to come forward.
For now, Chatham — a town known for its spirit of community and resilience — grieves the lives cut far too short, and holds tight to one another as they face the long road to healing.
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