Illinois daycare car crash: 4 kids dead after woman plows jeep through after-school camp; photo of suspect surfaces

A day meant for learning and laughter turned into a nightmare in Chatham, Illinois, when a woman barreled her Jeep through a daycare and after-school camp on Monday, killing four children and leaving a trail of devastation in her wake.

Illinois State Police said the crash occurred around 3:20 pm (local time) at the YNOT After School Camp, just south of Springfield.

Without warning, the vehicle tore through the east side of the building, mowing down three victims outside and striking another inside before smashing out through the west wall, leaving behind a gaping hole, crushed debris, and stunned witnesses.

🚨#BREAKING: A woman has drove her car through a daycare and after-school camp resulting in multiple injuries and the deaths of several children

📌#Chatham | #Illinois

At this time, multiple emergency personnel are on the scene in Chatham, Illinois, after police reported that… pic.twitter.com/ouLhEd18Tl

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 29, 2025

All four victims, believed to be between 4 and 18 years old, died from their injuries. Six others were hurt, at least one of whom was airlifted by helicopter in critical condition, authorities said.

"This is a terrible tragedy that has rocked our entire community," the Chatham Police Department said in a statement posted on Facebook, pleading for prayers for the families involved.

The driver, a woman who has not been officially identified, believed to be a 38-year-old lady from Springfield, was alone in the Jeep and somehow escaped serious injury. She was transported to a hospital for evaluation.

🚨#UPDATE: Here’s a photo of the back side of the woman suspected of driving a rogue Jeep that plowed through YNot’s after-school camp in Chatham, Illinois, leaving four dead and three mowed down outside and one crushed inside. Police apprehended the driver, and DUI is suspected.… pic.twitter.com/6L1oSaiTqj

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 29, 2025

Investigators suspect DUI, according to police, but the motive and cause behind the rampage remain unclear. Charges are expected once the investigation progresses.

Adding to the public fury, a photo believed to show the suspect, captured from behind as she was taken into custody, quickly spread online, showing a woman in a gray sweatshirt being led away by officers.

Horror in Chatham: Drunk Driver Kills 4, Injures 6 After Plowing Through Daycare! 🚨🇺🇸

The Incident
Today, April 28, 2025, at around 4:00 p.m. CDT, a drunk driver in a Jeep crashed through the YNOT Daycare Center in Chatham, Illinois, killing four children and hospitalizing… pic.twitter.com/NEDKxA9TKe

— PitunisWorld 🌎 (@ScMesab) April 29, 2025

Drone footage and on-the-ground video showed a scene of utter chaos: shattered walls, twisted furniture, police tape fluttering in the wind, and dozens of emergency vehicles surrounding what used to be a place of safety for children.

Governor JB Pritzker said his administration was “closely monitoring the tragedy," posting, "Let’s wrap our arms around Chatham tonight."

JUST IN: Four children were k*lled after a person crashed a car into an after-school clinic

The car plowed through the YNOT Outdoors Summer and After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois

All four victims were between the ages of 4 and 18

Three victims were standing outside the… pic.twitter.com/hhVbJEy5of

— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) April 29, 2025

The Illinois State Police and Chatham Police Department are now combing through evidence to understand what led to the horrific crash — one that shattered lives and left an entire town asking how such violence could strike so close to home.