A quiet Monday afternoon turned into every parent’s worst nightmare when a car ploughed into a children’s after-school club in Chatham, Illinois, killing four young girls and injuring several others. The devastating crash happened just after 3 pm at the YNOT after-school daycare on Breckenridge Road, leaving the local community in pieces.
The victims have now been named as Kathryn Corley, 7, Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, Ainsley Johnson, 8, and Rylee Britton, 18. The car reportedly veered off the road, crossed a field, and smashed straight through the east side of the building, hitting multiple children before bursting out the other side. Six more youngsters were rushed to the hospital, with one still in a critical condition, reported the Mirror.
The driver, identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers, wasn’t arrested but was taken to the hospital for evaluation. While police continue to investigate what led to the crash, they’ve said there’s no sign this was an intentional act.
Alma’s mum, Billie, shared a heartbreaking tribute to her daughter, describing her as “sweet, outgoing, silly, and funny.” Speaking to NBC News, she added, “She loved her friends and family fiercely. She loved playing soccer, basketball and doing gymnastics.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also responded to the tragedy, expressing his sorrow: “My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing – something that no parent should ever have to endure.”
According to Illinois State Police, the crash happened at 3:20 pm when Akers’ vehicle left the road for reasons still unknown. It travelled through a grassy area and then straight into the building, where children were taking part in after-school activities. Police, fire crews, paramedics, and multiple other agencies flooded the scene.
Toxicology reports are still pending, and officers from the crash reconstruction unit, crime scene services, and local police are piecing together exactly what happened.
While officials stress this wasn’t a targeted attack, it’s little comfort for families trying to come to terms with an unimaginable loss. A statement from Illinois State Police offered condolences to the families and the Chatham community, adding that the investigation remains ongoing.
This heartbreaking event comes just two days after another vehicle-related tragedy, where a car ploughed through a Filipino heritage festival in Vancouver, Canada, killing 11 people. Authorities there have charged the driver with eight counts of second-degree murder and ruled out terrorism, citing a history of mental illness. For Chatham, the scars of this week’s tragedy will be long-lasting.
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