UPDATE: Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon has released the identities of the four girls who died in the tragic crash at YNOT Monday.

Ainsley Johnson, age 8, of Chatham

Rylee Britton, age 18, of Springfield

Kathryn Corley, age 7, of Chatham

Alma Buhnerkempe, age 7, of Chatham

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UPDATE: Shortly after 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Illinois State Police reported the driver of the vehicle was Marianne Akers, 44, Chatham. A news release said Akers is not in custody, as the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

WAND News reports Akers previously worked with the Ball-Chatham School District. She last worked at the district in 2022 as a food service employee.

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UPDATE: Shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday, Illinois State Police reported the four girls who died were ages seven, seven, eight, and eighteen. A news release said the driver was taken to a hospital for evaluation, and the crash does not appear to be a targeted attack. Of the six children injured, one is reported in critical condition.

Gov. JB Pritzker said he is “horrified and deeply saddened” by the tragic crash. In a statement, the governor expressed his condolences, saying, “Parents said goodbye to their kids this morning not knowing it would be the last time. My heart is heavy for these families and the unimaginable grief they’re experiencing – something that no parent should ever have to endure.”

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Chatham, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Chatham police have confirmed four fatalities at the YNOT after-school program. Deputy Chief Scott Tarter stated a motorist drove into the east side of the building at 301 Breckenridge Rd. after striking multiple people outside, killing three.

The vehicle continued through the building and out the west side of the structure. One fatality was reported from those struck inside.

The four fatalities range in age from 4 to 18 years old. Sangamon County Coroner Jim Allmon confirmed four female students were pronounced dead at the scene.

Tarter stated multiple “patients” were taken by ambulance to local hospitals and one by helicopter. The driver, who was alone in the vehicle, was not injured and was taken to a local hospital.

Illinois State Police is handling the investigation.

A reunification site for parents with children who attend the program was set up at Chatham Baptist Church.