On Monday, March 28th, a tragic accident occurred at YNOT After School Camp in Chatham, Illinois. Chatham Police Department Deputy Chief Scott Tarter described at a news conference that a car hit various people outside the after-school center before entering the eastern portion of the building at about 3:20 p.m., eventually exiting out the western side of the structure. While the cause of this tragedy is still unknown, police believe it wasn’t targeted. Three of those killed were struck outside the building, while another person was hit inside. A video circulating online reveals gaping holes across the building. All four were identified as “female students” by Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon, the Associated Press reported.
In 2002, Jamie and Mitzi Lotus opened the YNOT Outdoors organization to create a safe and enjoyable summer environment. The term YNOT stands for Youth Needing Other Things. According to their website, they are a “dependable drop-off and pickup location.” Even when the weather is unpleasant, the organization uses buses to transport students safely through central Illinois.
Miraculously, the driver of the vehicle remained mostly unharmed, although six others were injured in the crash. Several people were transferred to local hospitals, including one person who was transported by helicopter.
In an attempt to rally everyone together, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker wrote, “Let’s wrap our arms around the community tonight as we receive updates on the situation” in a post on X. Doris Turner, the Illinois State Senator, felt similarly and declared her office would be ready to help local authorities. The School District of Chatham stated that they will now be “focusing on the well-being of students” as “we mourn the loss of the four children.” The Chatham Police Department even posted on Facebook asking people to pray for the community.
As Chatham, Illinois, grieves the deaths of these children, this is eye-opening for others. People must be careful when driving on the road, and should not use their phones or drink before driving. We can make small changes to ensure everyone’s safety on the NORAD.
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