Chatham: Four children have tragically died and several others have been injured after a car ploughed through a building housing an after-school programme on Monday afternoon in Illinois, police have confirmed.

Emergency services responded at approximately 3:20 p.m. local time following reports that a vehicle had driven straight through the premises, striking multiple individuals before exiting out the other side.

According to police, the building was occupied by children attending a programme run by Youth Needing Other Things Outdoors (YNOTO), a local organisation offering youth activities and summer camps.

The victims, all between the ages of 4 and 18, were confirmed dead by Illinois State Police in a statement issued via email. Several others sustained injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals. The exact number and condition of the injured have not yet been disclosed.

Authorities have not determined whether the crash was accidental or deliberate. The driver, who was alone in the vehicle and uninjured, was taken to hospital for evaluation. Police have not confirmed whether the individual has been arrested or formally taken into custody.

The tragedy comes just two days after a separate incident in Vancouver, Canada, where a car drove into a crowd at a Filipino heritage festival, killing 11 people — part of a concerning pattern of similar global incidents.

“This is a terrible and heartbreaking event,” said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in a statement. “I am horrified and deeply saddened by the deaths of children and the numerous injuries in Chatham this afternoon. My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing – something that no parent should ever have to endure.”

Governor Pritzker added that his office is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide any necessary assistance.

As night fell, police cordons remained in place around the site, with flashing patrol cars blocking nearby streets. On social media, the Chatham Police Department appealed for the public’s prayers, stating: “A terrible tragedy has occurred here that has affected all of us.”