Tragedy struck a small Illinois community when four young girls were killed by a vehicle that crashed through a building housing an after-school program.
Despite the horrific nature of this incident, authorities have remained silent on whether the driver has been arrested or if the crash was intentional.
The deadly crash occurred in Chatham, Illinois, just outside Springfield, and united the community in prayer.
The vehicle plowed completely through the building that houses Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors, a facility offering after-school programs and summer camps for children.
After smashing through the structure, the vehicle continued its path and exited the other side, leaving destruction in its wake.
First responders found a scene of chaos and heartbreak, with multiple victims injured alongside the four fatalities.
The Sangamon County Coroner identified the victims as female students, whose ages ranged from just 4 to 18 years old. Multiple other children required hospitalization for their injuries.
Adding to the mystery surrounding this tragedy, police have not disclosed if the driver was arrested or taken into custody.
Reports indicate the driver, who was the sole occupant of the vehicle, escaped uninjured but was transported to a hospital for evaluation.
Authorities have remained tight-lipped about what caused the crash or whether it might have been intentional.
This incident follows a disturbing trend of vehicles being driven into groups of people across the globe.
Just two days earlier, a similar incident occurred in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The tight-knit community of Chatham has rallied together in the face of this tragedy.
The Chatham Police Department requested prayers on their Facebook page, acknowledging how deeply the community has been affected.
In a show of solidarity, many residents changed their Facebook profile photos to an image with the words “Chatham Strong.”
As families mourn and a community searches for answers, Governor Pritzker expressed his condolences and assured residents that his office is monitoring the situation and ready to provide support.
“I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon,” said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker.
“My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing – something that no parent should ever have to endure,” he added.
Yet questions remain about how such a tragedy could occur and whether it could have been prevented.
The investigation continues as local authorities work to determine what caused this devastating crash that has left four families planning funerals instead of watching their daughters grow up.
As America faces increasing violence directed at its most vulnerable citizens, communities are left wondering when and where the next tragedy might strike.
