The driver who mowed down three young girls and a teenager when she barreled into an Illinois after-school camp — driving through one side and out the other — wasn’t high or drunk, but may have suffered a medical emergency, authorities said Thursday.
Preliminary toxicology report for motorist Marianne Akers, 44, came back negative for alcohol and controlled substances, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly announced during a press conference streamed by CBS Chicago.
3 Damage is visible at the scene after a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp. AP
He said “some evidence” suggests that Akers suffered a medical emergency leading up to the fatal crash that killed Kathryn Corley, and Alma Buhnerkempe, both 7; Ainsley Johnson, 8; and Rylee Britton, 18.
“However, the investigation and this information and other evidence has not yet concluded and will continue until all leads and research has been exhausted,” he said.
No charges have been filed against Akers, of Chatham, so far. She was the only person in the car.
3 An overhead view shows the scene where victims were killed when a car barreled through a building used for an after-school camp. AP
Authorities previously said it did not appear Akers intentionally plowed into the YNOT after-school camp Monday afternoon – with Kelly repeating that again Thursday.
Three victims were hit outside while the fourth victim was struck inside after the SUV smashed through a wall and exited the other side.
3 Teacher hugs her seven-year-old student at a vigil for three young children and a teenager who were killed. AP
Six more children were hospitalized with injuries from the incident. Akers was not injured.
Security video showed the SUV was a “substantial distance” away when it veered off the roadway, said Jamie Loftus, the founder of YNOT Outdoors.
The car sped across a field, crossed a road and sidewalk and the camp’s parking before it plowed into the building “with no apparent attempt to alter its direction,” Loftus said earlier this week.
The vehicle finally stopped when it crashed into a pole and fence.
The state’s attorney office will ultimately make a final determination on the case, Kelly said.
“The process is still ongoing,” he said.
With Post wires
Police suggest theory for why driver plowed through after-school camp, killing 4
