A tragic crash at a Portillo’s restaurant in west suburban Oswego left a 2-year-old boy dead and 13 others injured on Wednesday afternoon.
According to police, the toddler was inside the restaurant located at 2810 Route 34, near Douglas Road, when a vehicle drove through the front entrance just before 2 p.m.
Authorities said the driver — a 50-year-old woman who was alone in the vehicle — was among the 13 people injured. Eight individuals, including the driver, were transported to nearby hospitals. Three of them suffered serious injuries. The other five injured victims were treated at the scene and released.
The ages of those impacted ranged from 2 to 50 years old.
During a press conference, Oswego Police Chief Jason Bastin said early indications suggest the crash was accidental, though the investigation is ongoing. “The driver was speaking after the crash. As for whether this was caused by a medical emergency, we don’t have that information at this time,” Bastin said.
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses, including the driver, to determine the sequence of events. While it’s too early to say whether charges will be filed, police are not ruling it out.
Eyewitness Accounts
Maria Garcia, a nearby resident, described the emotional aftermath. “I saw employees coming out of the building, visibly distraught,” she told WGN-TV. “I offered them water and a place to sit in my car with the AC on. Some needed to call their families, and I said, ‘I’m here for you.’ I just wanted them to know they weren’t alone.”
Others shared their heartbreak over the incident, which happened during a busy lunchtime rush.
The restaurant remained closed for the rest of Wednesday and was still boarded up early Thursday morning. There was no immediate word on when it would reopen.
Portillo’s Response
In a statement, Portillo’s expressed sorrow over the incident:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving a car that struck our Oswego restaurant this afternoon. Our thoughts are with those affected by this incident. Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our guests and team members.
We are grateful to emergency responders for their swift action and are cooperating fully with local authorities in the ongoing investigation. The Oswego Portillo’s will remain closed through the end of the day, and we will defer all further questions to law enforcement.”
Police are urging anyone with information about the crash to come forward as the investigation continues.
