Four people were killed when vehicle smashed through Illinois building, police say

Key Takeaways:

• Four people were killed when a car smashed through a building in Chatham, Illinois.
• The incident occurred during an after-school program on Monday afternoon.
• The vehicle hit three people outside before crashing into the building and striking another person.
• Police responded to the scene at approximately 3:20 p.m.
• Chatham is a town located outside Springfield, Illinois.

Deadly Crash During After-School Program

A tragic accident unfolded in Chatham, Illinois, on Monday afternoon when a car smashed through a building during an after-school program, resulting in the deaths of four individuals. The incident has left the small community, situated just outside Springfield, in shock.

Sequence of Events

According to police reports, officers responded at approximately 3:20 p.m. to calls about a vehicle collision involving multiple pedestrians. The car initially struck three people outside the building before ramming through the structure and hitting another person inside.

Emergency Response

Authorities swiftly arrived at the scene following the emergency calls. Details about the driver or the cause of the crash have not been disclosed. The investigation is ongoing as officials work to piece together the circumstances leading to this devastating event.

Community Impact

The building was hosting an after-school program at the time of the crash, heightening concerns among residents about safety in communal spaces. The loss has profoundly affected the town of Chatham, a close-knit community where such tragedies are rare.

Mourning the Loss

As news of the incident spread, community members began to gather, offering support to one another in the wake of the tragedy. The identities of the victims have not been released pending notification of their families. Local authorities are expected to provide updates as more information becomes available.