Car Crashes Into St. Paul School, 2 Students Hospitalized

JOLIET, IL — Joliet Fire Department Chief Greg Blaskey told Patch that two students at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic School were taken to St. Joe's hospital after a car crashed into the brick wall for the school cafeteria around 11:50 a.m.

The driver of the car was also hurt and taken by ambulance to the hospital, according to Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English.

While a vehicle was eastbound on Campbell Street, the driver appeared to have suffered a medical event causing the vehicle to leave the roadway and drive over the curb, striking the side of the St. Paul school, English said.

"The impact jarred loose some ceiling tiles and concrete blocks in a basement lunchroom, where students were eating," the Diocese of Joliet said in a statement, adding that Bishop Ronald Hicks and Vicar General Father Richard Smith immediately went to the school after learning of the crash.

Two students in the school suffered minor injuries caused by debris falling from the collision.

"Today’s events remind us of just how precious life is," Hicks said in a statement from the diocese. "I thank God no one was seriously hurt, and I pray for the injured students and their families, as well as the driver. May peace surround our entire school community as we look to the Lord for healing."

Joliet resident Brian Bessler, who was in the area, captured photos of the crash. He said it was his understanding St. Paul's school officials evacuated the building after the wreck happened.

Joliet resident Bob Hernandez went to the crash at St. Paul's and produced one of his Facebook Live videos for his followers.