14 injured after vehicle crashes into Illinois restaurant
Share this @internewscast.com

OSWEGO, Ill. (WGN) A 2-year-old boy was killed and 14 other people, including the driver, were injured after a vehicle plowed into a Portillo’s restaurant Wednesday afternoon in a Chicago suburb.

According to police in Oswego, Ill., the 2-year-old was inside the restaurant when the crash occurred just before 2 p.m. local time. Police said 13 other people inside the restaurant were injured, three of them seriously.

Of those injured, paramedics rushed eight to a nearby hospital, including the driver, a 50-year-old woman, according to police. Paramedics also treated six people at the scene, who were later released. The ages of the victims ranged from 2 to 50.

The driver was the lone occupant of the vehicle. Police said it’s too early in their investigation to comment on whether the driver could face charges but said they are not ruling it out.

In the interim, officers are reviewing surveillance video and speaking with witnesses and the driver to determine what exactly occurred. Police say, based on their preliminary findings, the crash appeared to be accidental.

“Our investigation is in its early stages, but preliminary information suggests that this is a tragic accident,” Oswego Police Department Chief Jason Bastin said during a news conference Wednesday. “The driver was speaking. As far as it being a medical emergency, we don’t have that information yet.”

‘Hard thing to witness’

Maria Garcia, who lives in the area, said it appeared several Portillo’s employees were overcome with emotion.

“As some of the employees were dispersing the area, I noticed that a few were distraught, and my first reaction was to reach out to them and comfort them, because it’s a hard thing to witness,” Garcia said. “I said, ‘Please come sit in my car, I have the AC running,’ and I said, ‘If you need to make a few phone calls, call your family. I can call them for you if you can’t, I can drive you home, whatever you need.’

“I said, ‘I’m here for you,’ and just kind of gave them a hug and made sure they were OK,” she said.

Others who spoke with affiliate WGN said they were heartbroken, as the crash occurred amid a busy time of day for the restaurant.

The restaurant was closed for the remainder of Wednesday following the crash, and it was still boarded up early Thursday morning.

Portillo’s issued a statement Wednesday, saying in part that it was “deeply saddened by the tragic accident.”

“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 on-site, 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 (Wednesday). We will defer all additional questions to local law enforcement.”

Statement from Portillo’s

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Famine Hits Gaza City Amid Israel’s Threat to Escalate Conflict

Famine was officially announced on Friday in northern Gaza, encompassing Gaza City,…

Is Bielema considering arranging an international game for Illinois?

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WCIA) – College football has began the tradition of kicking…

Persistent Rain Expected Throughout the Weekend

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A wetter weather pattern is set through the…

Arrest of Missing Baby Emmanuel Haro’s Parents

The parents of Emmanuel Haro were apprehended on Friday, a little over…

Expected Development of the Next Named Storm This Weekend

We can now confidently state that Hurricane Erin is nearing its end.…

Prosecutor Overwhelms Parole Board with Details in Erik Menendez Case

Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman has voiced his opposition to…

Missing Baby’s Parents Face Harassment and Death Threats

() Parents of missing California baby Emmanuel Haro say they are being…

Lawsuit Alleges Over 100 Women Were Abused by OB-GYN

Editor’s Note: The following story discusses topics of rape and sexual assault…

Vance Promotes Republican Tax Proposal During Georgia Visit

PEACHTREE CITY, Ga. () Vice President JD Vance visited Peachtree City, Georgia,…

Suspect Sought by RCSO in Connection to Break-In

RICHMOND COUNTY, Ga. () – The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office is looking…

Rescuer Plans to Adopt Dog Saved from Cuyahoga River

In Cleveland, what was meant to be a standard educational outing on…

Six Inmates Facing Charges Following Stabbing Incident at Southwest Virginia Prison in May

WISE, Va. (WJHL) — On Wednesday, six inmates with gang affiliations were…