Memorial grows after toddler killed, 13 injured in crash at Oswego Portillo's at 2810 Route 34
Share this @internewscast.com

OSWEGO, Ill. (WLS) — People have been stopping by a crash scene at an Oswego Portillo’s to pay their respects.

A driver crashed into the restaurant Wednesday, killing a 2-year-old boy.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Evelyn Homes is live in Kane County, where the cause of this tragic accident is still not known

Oswego resident Chris Baker kneels in prayer as the community attempts to comprehend the tragic accident at Portillo’s, which resulted in the death of a 2-year-old boy.

“As a father of three, I can’t imagine the ordeal the family is enduring, especially those injured and, most heartbreakingly, the family that lost their young child,” Baker expressed. “It’s an unbelievably tragic situation. I can’t fathom being in their shoes.”

Moments later, a man and his 10-year-old daughter added to the memorial that continues to grow just feet from now shuttered restaurant.

The crash happened around 2 p.m. Wednesday as the restaurant was packed with customers.

Preliminary reports from investigators indicate that a 50-year-old woman accidentally crashed her car through the entrance of the popular far west suburban restaurant near Route 34.

Oswego police said the toddler was hit and died at a nearby hospital from his injuries.

John Proud, who worked at the Oswego Portillo’s for several years, was employed at a different nearby restaurant when the tragic event unfolded on Wednesday.

“When it occurred, it was right when I usually take my cigarette break, so I feel grateful I wasn’t there, but it was sheer chaos,” Proud recounted.

In a statement, Portillo’s expressed, “We are profoundly saddened by the tragic accident involving a vehicle that impacted our Oswego restaurant this afternoon, and our thoughts are with those affected. As we continue to evaluate this ongoing situation, our main priority is the safety and well-being of our guests and employees. We appreciate the swift response of the emergency services who attended the scene and are cooperating fully with local authorities in their investigation. At present, the Oswego Portillo’s will remain closed for the rest of the day. We will direct further inquiries to local law enforcement.”

Meanwhile, local investigators have shared few details about what caused the accident while the community rallied around one another.

Early Thursday morning, the Oswego School District posted to social media, “In moments like these, we are reminded of the strength and compassion of our community. Let us continue to support one another with kindness.”

“People are just torn up and sad, but Oswego will heal,” Baker said. “We’re a strong community and will come together and surround these folks that were impacted. So many people.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump blasts Democrats who refused to stand for protecting Americans over 'illegal aliens' at State of the Union 2026

Trump Criticizes Democrats for Not Standing Up for American Protection in State of the Union 2026 Address

President Trump criticized Democratic leaders who declined to support his assertion that…
Heart stopping moment skier is rescued after being buried alive under mount of snow in Lake Tahoe

Dramatic Ski Rescue: Skier Saved from Snow Burial in Lake Tahoe

A near disaster was averted at a Lake Tahoe resort when two…
Sanders Mullin clash in heated Senate surgeon general hearing over systemic problems

Intense Senate Showdown: Sanders and Mullin Spar Over Deep-Rooted Issues in Surgeon General Hearing

A fiery exchange erupted between Independent Senator Bernie Sanders and Republican Senator…
Virginia Dem Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivers response to Trump's State of the Union address

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger Responds to Trump’s State of the Union with Powerful Address

Governor Abigail Spanberger of Virginia posed a series of probing questions during…
What is mitochondrial dysfunction? Dr. Casey Means says it's the root of chronic illness

Understanding Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Dr. Casey Means Identifies It as the Core of Chronic Illness

According to President Trump’s nominee for surgeon general, nearly every American is…
Terrifying moment caught on camera as road collapse suddenly swallows vehicles at busy intersection

Shocking Footage Captures Road Collapse Engulfing Cars at Bustling Intersection

Dramatic footage captured the heart-stopping moment when a roadway gave way beneath…
Rep. Rashida Tlaib sparks outrage after chanting 'KKK' during Trump's SOTU address

Rep. Rashida Tlaib’s Bold Chant at Trump’s SOTU Address Stirs Controversy

Representative Rashida Tlaib of Michigan, a member of the progressive “Squad,” ignited…
FBI subpoenaed Kash Patel and Susie Wiles phone records in federal Trump FBI investigation

Breaking: FBI Targets Key Trump Allies Kash Patel & Susie Wiles in Subpoenaed Phone Records Investigation

The FBI issued subpoenas for the phone records of Kash Patel and…
Markey: GOP Lawmakers Will 'Run' Away from Trump's Tariffs

Markey Predicts GOP Legislators Will Distance Themselves from Trump’s Tariff Policies

On a recent episode of MS NOW’s “The Weeknight,” Senator Ed Markey…
'Not on my bingo card': Hegseth comments on being tasked with releasing files on UFOs

Pete Hegseth Surprised by New Role in Unveiling UFO Files

“Do you think aliens exist?” was the question posed to Defense Secretary…
Asking Eric: Longtime friends leave couple out of annual vacation

Left Out of the Fun: What to Do When Friends Exclude You from Their Annual Vacation

Dear Eric, For several years now, our family has enjoyed the tradition…
Employee using a trash can to repeatedly fend off an alleged attacker.

Watch: Whataburger Employees Heroically Repel Attacker Using Only a Trash Can and Fry Basket

The phrase “Don’t Mess with Texas” took on new life recently when…