14 people hurt after Milwaukee church van crashes in Chicago

CHICAGO (WITI) -- Fourteen people, including an infant, were transported to four Chicago hospitals after a church van from Milwaukee was involved in a crash.

The van from Holy Temple Firstborn Missionary Baptist Church collided with two other vehicles around 8 p.m. Saturday, June 8th, on the Kennedy Expressway near downtown Chicago.

"They were on their way back to Milwaukee at that particular time. Couldn't reach anybody at first. We're still kinda in shock," Elder Michael Christian said.

Church members say the group was headed back to Milwaukee from a funeral for a family member of the pastor when a car sideswiped the van, sending it spinning out of control.

12 people in the van and two in a trailing vehicle were injured in the crash.

Deacon Mitchel Campbell says the most seriously injured were Pastor Dr. Lezar Burnside and a 17-month-old girl.

"One of the little babies is still in the hospital. They may keep her overnight again," Campbell said.

Campbell says church members were happy to learn all of those injured are expected to survive.

"We thank God for life. We're celebrating life and celebrating healing today," Campbell said.

Along with the physical healing, the church also has to worry about the vehicle. That van is used for daycare and transportation every day throughout the week.  The church says they will try to work with another church to help them out.