UPDATE - ILLINOIS STATE POLICE FATAL CHATHAM CRASH INVESTIGATION

April 29, 2025

CHATHAM – The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues its investigation into a fatal crash that occurred Monday afternoon in Chatham. ​ The driver of the vehicle involved in the crash has been identified as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham. ​ Akers is not in custody at this time as the cause of the crash remains under investigation. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

At approximately 3:20 p.m. on April 28, 2025, a vehicle left the road for unknown reasons, traveled through a field and into the east side of the YNOT After School Camp located at 301 Breckenridge Road in Chatham. ​ The car traveled through the building striking numerous individuals before exiting the other side. ​ Four individuals were killed in the crash, two 7-year-olds, an 8-year-old, and an 18-year-old. Six additional children were taken to area hospitals and one remains in critical condition.

The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, Akers, was uninjured and transported to an area hospital for evaluation. ​ Toxicology reports are pending. ​ The cause of the crash remains under investigation, but this does not appear to be a targeted attack. ​

ISP traffic crash reconstruction, patrol, crime scene services, and criminal investigations all responded to the scene along with Chatham Police Department, Chatham Fire Department, Springfield Police Department, Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office, the Sangamon County Coroner, and numerous other first responders.

This is an active investigation and no additional information is available at this time. ​

ISP offers its sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and Chatham community during this difficult time.

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