CHATHAM, Ill. (KWQC) – Illinois State Police said the driver in a crash that killed four inside a daycare was tested for both alcohol and controlled drugs, and none was found.
Director Brendan Kelly on Thursday said Marianne Akers’s blood and urine were comprehensively tested, and now police are investigating a possible medical event.
Akers drove into an after-school daycare, killing four in Chatham, Illinois.
According to the Chatham Police Department, the incident happened around 3:20 p.m. Monday at the YNOT after-school daycare at 301 Breckenridge Road.
Police said the vehicle hit multiple people outside of the building before going through the building and exiting on the other side.
Three people were hit outside of the building, and one person was hit inside. Several others were taken to the hospital with injuries, including one person who was airlifted from the scene.
Illinois State Police say the ages of the deceased victims are between 4 and 18.
On Thursday, Kelly said investigators are checking aerial photographs and have downloaded vehicle data.
The driver of the Jeep, who was later identified as Akers, was taken to the hospital for evaluation after the incident. She is a former employee of the Illinois State Police.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker shared a message on X that his office was briefed on the incident.
“My administration is closely monitoring the crash in Chatham. As we continue to learn more, please follow the guidance of all local authorities. Let’s wrap our arms around the community tonight as we receive updates on the situation,” Pritzker said.
Chatham is located about 12 miles south of Springfield, Illinois.
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