A tragic accident at a Portillo’s restaurant in Oswego, Illinois, on Wednesday, July 30, left a 2-year-old boy dead and 14 others injured after a vehicle crashed through the front of the building.
The incident occurred around 1:55 p.m. at the Portillo’s location on Route 34 near Douglas Road, roughly 45 miles southwest of Chicago. According to Oswego Police Chief Jason Bastin, the driver was a 50-year-old woman who was alone in the car when it plowed into the restaurant.
The young boy, who was inside the restaurant at the time, died from injuries sustained in the crash. His name has not been publicly released.
“Our investigation is still in the early stages, but preliminary details indicate this was a tragic accident,” Chief Bastin said in a statement.
Fourteen other individuals were injured in the crash. Eight were transported to local hospitals, while six were treated at the scene and released. The driver was among those hospitalized and was reportedly conscious and speaking with first responders, according to NBC News.
Three of the injured victims remain in critical condition, Oswego Fire Protection District Chief Josh Flanders confirmed.
The victims range in age from 2 to 50 years old, local outlet WGN9 reported.
“On behalf of the police and fire departments, we extend our deepest condolences to the family during this devastating time,” Bastin said. “We ask that their privacy be respected as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
In a statement shared with PEOPLE, Portillo’s expressed its sorrow and pledged cooperation with investigators. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving a car that struck our Oswego restaurant this afternoon, and our thoughts are with those affected,” the company said.
“Our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our guests and team members,” the statement continued. “We are grateful to the emergency responders who arrived quickly onsite and are working closely with local authorities as they investigate.”
The Oswego Portillo’s location will remain closed through the end of the day, the company said.
