Portillo's crash: Child killed, 13 others injured after car slams into Oswego restaurant
14 hurt after car crashes into Oswego Portillo's
More than a dozen people are hurt after a car smashes into a Portillo's in Oswego.
OSWEGO, Ill. - More than a dozen people were hurt and a 2-year-old boy is dead after a car crashed into a Portillo’s restaurant in west suburban Oswego on Wednesday afternoon.
What we know:
Oswego police responded to the restaurant at 2810 Route 34 around 1:55 p.m.
In total, 14 people were hurt and eight were taken to local hospitals. Six others were treated at the scene and released, police said. Of those hospitalized, three are listed in critical condition.
Police said the crash appears to have been accidental.
The driver, who has not been identified, is a 50-year-old and was the sole occupant of the vehicle, officials said. The driver was taken to a hospital, and their condition is currently unknown.
Police said it is too early in the investigation to determine whether criminal charges will be filed.
What they're saying:
"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 by this incident. As we continue to assess this unfolding situation, our primary concern is the safety and well-being of our guests and team members. We are grateful to the emergency responders who arrived quickly onsite, and we are working closely with local authorities to aid their investigation. At this time, the Oswego Portillo’s restaurant will remain closed through the end of the day. We will defer all additional questions to local law enforcement," a statement from Portillo's reads.
Village President Ryan Kauffman issued a statement on the crash on Thursday, shared below:
"As Village President, I carry a deep responsibility for the safety of everyone in our community. But as a father, this tragedy hits especially hard. I am absolutely heartbroken over the vehicle crash yesterday at Portillo’s that injured many and tragically took one life. The loss of a 2-year-old child is unimaginable, and our entire community is grieving alongside the family.
"There are simply no words that can ease the pain of such a loss. On behalf of the entire Village of Oswego, I want to extend our deepest condolences to the family, and to all those injured or affected by this horrific event. I also want to thank the Oswego Police Department, Oswego Fire Protection District, Oswego Public Works, Portillo’s employees, and the bystanders who stepped in to help amid the chaos. Your quick action and courage are deeply appreciated.
"The Village is taking this incident incredibly seriously. Since it occurred, we’ve begun reviewing our ordinances and safety protocols to identify what more can be done to help prevent such tragedies in the future. Oswego has required bollards for all commercial outdoor dining areas for decades, but we know that we must continue to evaluate and strengthen protections in public spaces.
We are also looking into how other communities have responded to similar incidents, and we are actively exploring additional safety measures. Nothing is off the table when it comes to protecting lives.
"This has not previously been a topic of discussion at the Village Board level, but it will be now. I intend to bring this forward at a future meeting. We owe it to the families who are hurting—and to everyone who lives, works or visits here—to take a hard look at how we can improve public safety.
"The investigation into this incident remains ongoing. The Oswego Police Department will provide updates as information becomes available.
"At the Village Board meeting on Monday, Aug. 4, we will observe a moment of silence to honor the child who was lost and those impacted by this tragedy. I invite the community to join us in mourning and reflection.
Yesterday was a devastating day in Oswego. But in the face of heartbreak, I know this community: Oswego is strong. We care for our neighbors. We support one another. And we rise—together."
What's next:
The public is asked to avoid the area. We'll bring more updates as they become available.