Devastation in Chatham: Four Children Dead, Six Injured After Woman Allegedly Drives SUV Through Daycare Facility While Intoxicated — Community Grieves, Investigation Underway
Chatham, Illinois — In an unfathomable tragedy that has left a small Illinois town shattered, four children were killed and six others injured when a woman allegedly drove her SUV through a daycare and after-school camp facility in Chatham on Monday afternoon. The devastating incident occurred at the YNot After-School Camp, a beloved local program that was meant to be a haven for young children and teens.
Authorities say the driver, 38-year-old Marianne Akers, was behind the wheel of a Jeep SUV when she barreled through the facility shortly after 3:00 p.m., striking multiple children outside the building before smashing through its walls and exiting through the opposite side. Witnesses described a scene of horror as screams rang out and debris flew in every direction.
First responders rushed to the 400 block of East Chestnut Street, where they found children trapped under rubble, injured, or unresponsive. Despite the heroic efforts of EMTs and local firefighters, four children — aged between 4 and 18 years old — were pronounced dead at the scene. The six additional victims, including some in critical condition, were transported to area hospitals. Two of the injured are believed to be staff members at the facility.
The incident has shaken the community to its core.
“This is one of the most heartbreaking events our town has ever witnessed,” said Chatham Police Chief Andrew Carmichael, fighting back emotion during a press briefing. “These were children who were simply playing, learning, and spending time with their friends. Their lives were stolen in an instant.”
Akers, who sustained minor injuries in the crash, was taken to the hospital, where officers conducted a field sobriety test. Authorities have confirmed she failed the test, and toxicology results are pending. Preliminary findings strongly suggest she was under the influence of alcohol or another controlled substance. Akers was later taken into custody by the Illinois State Police, and formal charges are expected to include multiple counts of vehicular homicide, DUI resulting in death, reckless endangerment, and aggravated battery.
Community members are expressing both profound grief and rising anger.
“I dropped my daughter off just an hour before it happened,” said one tearful mother. “This could’ve been any of our children. It was someone’s child. Four families will never be the same.”
Adding to the shock is the revelation that Akers was employed in the Chatham School District’s food service department, raising broader concerns about background checks and accountability. While officials confirmed she was not on duty at the time, her role within the educational system has intensified public outrage.
The YNot After-School Camp, known for providing a safe and nurturing environment for dozens of children every day, is now the site of grief-stricken memorials. Community members have begun leaving flowers, stuffed animals, notes, and candles near the destroyed structure. Counseling services are being made available at nearby schools and churches.
A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Thursday evening at the Chatham Town Square, where hundreds are expected to gather in remembrance of the victims and in solidarity with their grieving families.
“We are heartbroken, devastated, and angry,” said Mayor Sarah Dunham, standing with community leaders. “This was a senseless, preventable tragedy that has left us reeling. We will stand with these families, and we will demand justice.”
The Illinois State Police and Chatham Police Department continue to investigate the incident, reviewing surveillance footage, speaking to witnesses, and awaiting toxicology reports.
Anyone with additional information or footage from the area is urged to contact investigators at (217) 782-4750 or Chatham PD at (217) 483-2453.
As the community of Chatham attempts to come to terms with the enormity of its loss, the message is clear from parents and leaders alike: this tragedy must not be forgotten — and those responsible must be held fully accountable.