4 students dead, at least 6 injured after SUV plows through Illinois after-school program: officials

CHATHAM, Ill. -- Four students were killed when an SUV drove through an after-school camp on Monday afternoon, officials said.

Illinois State Police said officers responded to the YNOT After School Camp in Chatham around 3:20 p.m. That's just south of Springfield, Illinois.

"The vehicle crashed into the east side of the building, went through the building, and exited outside the west side of the building," said Chatham Police Deputy Chief Scott Tarter.

The Sangamon County coroner said four female students died in the crash. Those victims are believed to be between 4 and 18 years old, ISP said.

One of the victims who died was inside the building at the time of the crash, and the three others were outside, ISP said.

Chatham police believe at least six others suffered injuries, and a helicopter airlifted one of them to the hospital.

ISP said the driver, who was the only person inside the SUV, was taken to a local hospital for evaluation but was not injured. Police said the driver is considered a suspect, though no charges or arrests have been announced.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker released the following statement:

"I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon. Our community lost a group of bright and innocent young people with their whole lives ahead of them. Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning not knowing it would be the last time. My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they're experiencing - something that no parent should ever have to endure. MK and I extend our prayers and deepest condolences to everyone impacted by this unspeakable tragedy.

Illinois State Police has begun working with the Chatham Police Department to investigate the incident and will provide the public with more information when it becomes available. My office is closely monitoring the situation and is ready to support in any way that we can. We are grateful for all the first responders assisting our community during this difficult time."

The investigation is ongoing. Further information about what led up to the deadly crash was not immediately available.