OSWEGO, Ill. (WLS) — A tragic incident occurred where a young boy lost his life and 13 others sustained injuries when a car crashed into a Portillo’s restaurant in the west suburbs on Wednesday afternoon.
The crash happened around 1:55 p.m. at the restaurant packed with people at 2810 Route 34 in Oswego, police said.
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According to police, eight individuals, including the driver, were transported to local hospitals, with three suffering from serious injuries. Six others were treated on-site and released.
A 2-year-old boy inside the restaurant later died at a hospital, police said. His identity has not yet been released.
The vehicle was driven by a 50-year-old woman who was alone in the car at the time. The crash’s cause is still under investigation, but initial information suggests it was accidental, police stated.
The public was asked to avoid the area as police continue to investigate.
One woman, Damaris Abella, was at a business next door to Portillo’s. She explained what she saw after the crash.
“I witnessed a man carrying what seemed like a young child, and then I saw someone collapse between two cars while another person began performing CPR,” Abella recounted.
At least 14 people were injured after a car crashed into a Portillo’s restaurant in Oswego Wednesday afternoon, police confirmed.
First responders arrived on scene to a parking lot filled with people as some of the bystanders were already trying to help the victims.
“They arrived on scene very quickly and quickly began performing cpr and injuries but yes it was chaotic,” Oswego police Chief Jason Bastin said.
People living near the scene said it’s difficult to comprehend this kind of tragedy.
“It’s just sort of numbing,” resident John Buchanan said. “We’re gonna go home and hold each other tight.”
Portillo’s released a statement expressing, “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic accident at our Oswego restaurant today, and our hearts go out to those impacted. Ensuring the safety and welfare of our guests and staff remains our top priority as we assess the situation. We extend our gratitude to the quick-responding emergency personnel and are cooperating with local authorities. The Oswego Portillo’s restaurant will stay closed for the remainder of the day, and we direct all further inquiries to local law enforcement.”
The Oswego restaurant will remain closed Thursday, a Portillo’s spokesperson said.
No further information was available as police continue to investigate.
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