The community continues to mourn the loss of four girls, three under the age of 10 and an 18-year-old.
Days later, there are still several questions that remain about the crash.
Here’s everything we know.
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What exactly happened?
A vehicle crashed into a crowd of people outside of YNOT (Youth Need Other Things) Outdoors at 301 North Breckenridge Road in Chatham before going through the east wall of the building and exiting out the west side.
What is YNOT?
YNOT operates an after-school program for students in the Ball-Chatham school district.
When did the crash happen?
Chatham Deputy Police Chief Scott Tarter said “at approximately 3:20 p.m.” on April 28, Chatham Police and Chatham Fire, and other agencies responded to YNOT.
Who are the victims?
The victims are Ainsley Johnson, 8; Kathryn Corley, 7, and Alma Buhnerkempe, 7, all of Chatham, and Rylee Britton, 18, of Springfield. All attended Ball-Chatham schools. Six others were injured, including one person critically.
Who was the driver?
Illinois State Police identified the driver of the vehicle as 44-year-old Marianne Akers of Chatham. She was uninjured in the crash but taken to a hospital for treatment. She has not been charged.
Is there any kind of security footage?
Yes, according to YNOT Outdoors founder Jamie Loftus.
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What did the footage show?
Loftus said security camera footage showed the vehicle was travelling westbound on Walnut Street through Chatham, before leaving Walnut.
The vehicle travelled through a farm field and was heading towards the building at a high rate of speed. The vehicle crossed North Breckenridge Road and the sidewalk, continuing into parking lot and into the east wall of the building. It then exited the building on the west side.
Has the driver been charged?
No, as of Wednesday afternoon, no charges have been filed.
Why hasn’t the driver been charged?
Illinois State Police are still investigating the crash. Police have said it was not a deliberate attack, however.
Contact Steven Spearie: 217-622-1788; sspearie@sj-r.com; X, twitter.com/@StevenSpearie.
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Everything we know about the fatal crash in Chatham, Illinois
