OSWEGO, Ill. — A devastating accident unfolded Wednesday afternoon when a vehicle crashed into a Portillo’s restaurant in Oswego, killing a 2-year-old child and injuring 14 others, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred around 1:55 p.m. at the Portillo’s located at 2810 Route 34. According to Oswego police, a 50-year-old woman, the sole occupant of the vehicle, drove into the front entrance of the restaurant. The impact caused chaos inside the busy establishment.
A 2-year-old boy inside the restaurant was fatally injured in the crash and pronounced dead at the scene.
Eight people, including the driver, were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment of various injuries. Six others were treated at the scene and released. Police have not released names of the victims, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Oswego Police Chief Jason Bastin described the response scene as “chaotic,” with first responders arriving quickly to perform CPR and aid the injured. Witnesses reportedly rushed to help before emergency crews arrived.
Damaris Abella, a witness at a nearby Chili’s restaurant, told ABC7 Chicago that she saw people fleeing Portillo’s after the crash. “It was terrifying. People were screaming, and emergency crews were everywhere,” she said.
While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, police stated that initial findings suggest the incident was accidental. The driver was conscious and cooperative at the scene.
Portillo’s issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the tragedy, extending condolences to those affected. The company also confirmed that the Oswego location would remain closed for the remainder of the day.
Leave a Reply