Keypoints Summary: Four children killed in car crash

• A speeding car crashed through an Illinois after-school camp.
• Four children between ages 4 and 18 killed in the devastating scene.
• Several others injured; one airlifted.
• The driver, alone in the vehicle, survived and is under investigation.
• The community is in shock and mourning as officials demand answers.

A quiet afternoon turns into chaos – Four children killed in car crash

What began as a normal Monday at the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois, quickly turned into a nightmare. At around 3:20 p.m., a vehicle slammed through the east side of the building, hitting children both outside and inside before crashing out the other side.

The horrifying aftermath

Police and medics rushed to the scene. Four children, between the ages of 4 and 18, pronounced dead. Three hit outside the building, one inside. At least six others injured, with one airlifted by helicopter.

The driver survived — and so did questions

The driver, the only person in the car, was uninjured and taken to the hospital for evaluation. The vehicle’s speed and path raised immediate questions. Was it a mechanical failure, reckless driving — or something more deliberate?

Raw emotion from the scene

Parents wept. Teachers cried. Onlookers stood in disbelief. “I drop my kid off here every day. I never thought I’d pick him up from the hospital,” one mother sobbed.

A beloved camp now marked by tragedy

The YNOT Camp known locally for being safe and nurturing. Their mission — to protect, inspire, and care — now hangs in the balance after a senseless, deadly accident.

First responders hailed as heroes

Staff members and paramedics worked hand-in-hand to pull children from the rubble and administer emergency care. One teacher reportedly shielded kids with her body as the car tore through the building.

Four children killed in car crash – Officials demand answers

Chatham Police called the crash “one of the worst incidents we’ve ever seen.” State police have taken over the investigation and are analyzing security footage and vehicle data.

Governor speaks out

Governor JB Pritzker called the tragedy “unimaginable” and offered full state support for the investigation. “No parent should ever have to bury their child due to something like this,” he said.

The heartbreaking scale of loss

This crash is one of the deadliest child-related vehicle incidents in recent memory. It has shaken not only Chatham, but the entire state.

Four children killed in car crash: A community grieves

Candlelight vigils have begun popping up. Flowers, teddy bears, and cards now line the sidewalk outside the shattered camp.

Now, the search for truth — and justice

Police say the investigation is active and evolving. Charges have not yet been filed. But parents and residents are demanding to know how this happened — and how to prevent it from ever happening again.