Fatal automobile accident in Illinois post-school program leaves 4 dead; police confirm no signs of deliberate violence involved
A goddamn car smashing into the YNOT after-school program in Chatham, Illinois, has the town in mourning, with four innocent lives lost and six more injured. The crash, which happened Monday afternoon, scraped the building's side, claiming the lives of three 7-year-olds from Chatham - Alma Buhnerkempe, Kathryn Corley, and Ainsley Johnson - and an 18-year-old Springfield woman, Rylee Britton[1].
Investigators are still trying to figure out the damn reasons behind this tragic accident. As of now, it doesn't appear to be a targeted attack, but that doesn't mean the cause isn't baffling[6]. The vehicle, a, SUV, for God's sake, left the road and hurled through a field before slamming into the building, striking several people[1].
A single woman, Marianne Akers, 44, of Chatham, was behind the wheel. Surprisingly, she managed to walk away unscathed, but was still taken to a hospital for a check-up[1]. Cops haven't deemed her a suspect just yet, but that doesn't mean she's in the clear[2]. Toxicology reports are expected, so we'll have to wait and see what they reveal[2].
Needless to say, the devastated community is hanging onto any shred of information like a lifeline. John Milhiser, the county's state's attorney, assures everyone that the crash is under investigation, and his heart goes out to the families[1].
The after-school program in question, YNOT Outdoors, provides three-hour care for school-aged kids after school lets out[1]. It operates under the slogan "YOUTH NEEDING OTHER THINGS," which is a pretty apt summary of what these kids get through the program[4].
Chatham, a quaint village of about 14,000 souls, is nestled about 10 miles south of Springfield[1]. The incident has left the town reeling, with Glenwood Middle School providing counseling services starting Tuesday morning[1]. Schools in the Ball-Chatham School District have decided to switch to e-learning for the day and cancel all extracurricular activities[1].
The Ball-Chatham School District has also paused to focus on the well-being of students, as they grapple with the grim reality of losing four young souls[1].
"Words can't capture the pain we're experiencing," said David Kimsey, the Village President of Chatham[1]. The whole community is in shock, but they're pulling together to support each other through this gods-awful tragedy. If there's any silver lining, it's that the counselors on the scene displayed remarkable composure and competence in such a heart-wrenching situation[3].
Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois has extended his condolences, praising the courage of the community in the face of this horrific event[1]. Many others have offered their prayers and support, reminding us all that we're all in this together.
CNN's Zenebou Sylla, Bill Kirkos, Matthew Rehbein, and Christine Sever contributed to this report.
Additional Details:
- The YNOT Outdoors program offers various activities, including homework help, arts and crafts, and sports[4].
- The SUV that caused the crash appears to be a Subaru Forester[2].
- The crash happened around 3:20 PM Central Time on Monday[1].
- A parent who witnessed the aftermath praised the counselors for their quick actions and calm demeanor[3].
- Despite the devastating car-accident that occurred at the YNOT Outdoors after-school program in Chatham, Illinois, the SUV-driven program provides three-hour care for school-aged children, offering activities such as homework help, arts and crafts, and sports.
- The car-accident that occurred on Monday afternoon in Chatham, Illinois, which left four children and an 18-year-old woman dead and six more injured, is currently under investigation by the police, with toxicology reports expected to provide more insight.
- The community of Chatham, a quaint village of about 14,000 souls nestled 10 miles south of Springfield, is struggling to cope with the loss of four young lives following the car-accident that took place at the YNOT Outdoors after-school program.
- As a result of the tragic car-accident at the YNOT Outdoors after-school program in Chatham, Illinois, the Ball-Chatham School District has opted to switch to e-learning for the day and cancel all extracurricular activities, while Glenwood Middle School has begun offering counseling services to support the affected community.
