4 people, including children, killed after vehicle smashes through after-school program site in Illinois

Illinois state police have said that those killed are aged between four and 18 years old, Associated Press reported. Police added that several other people were injured in the car ramming incident and have been taken to hospital.

This image taken from video provided by WCIA shows first responders working the scene after a car smashed through a building during an after-school program, killing multiple people, in Chatham, Ill. (WCIA via AP)

The suspect driver has been hospitalized for evaluation as he remained uninjured, and it is reported that the driver was the only person in the vehicle when it rammed into the building.

The facility and building house YNOT Outdoors that have after-school programs and summer camps, its website shows.

My administration is closely monitoring the crash in Chatham.

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.

— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) April 28, 2025

The incident took place in Chatham which is a small town of about 15,000 people and is situated just outside Springfield, Illinois.

The Chatham Police, in a statement said “If you believe in the power of prayer, please take a moment to pray right now for the entire Chatham community. A terrible tragedy has occurred here that has affected all of us.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker informed about the incident on X and stated “My administration is closely monitoring the crash in Chatham. 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.”