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
18-year-old involved in police chases in two cities arrested in Eufaula

Teen’s High-Speed Escapades End in Eufaula: Arrested After Two-City Police Chase

EUFAULA, Ala. (WRBL) — A teenager finds himself in custody following a…
Trump Finally Reveals His Thoughts on the Sydney Sweeney Controversy As Only He Can

Sydney Sweeney Sets the Record Straight on Jeans Ad Controversy: ‘Nothing But Fabricated Drama

Sydney Sweeney, the renowned Hollywood actress, has finally addressed the buzz surrounding…
Six numbers that make up NYC’s future

Six Key Figures Shaping the Future of New York City

This week, the spotlight will undoubtedly be on dissecting the final poll…
Sheryl Lee Ralph celebrates 35 years of 'DIVAS Simply Singing! Raising Health Awareness'

Sheryl Lee Ralph Marks 35 Years of ‘DIVAS Simply Singing!’ in a Continued Effort to Raise Health Awareness

LOS ANGELES — Sheryl Lee Ralph, the Emmy Award-winning star of “Abbott…
Michigan State University partially reverses policy on co-ed community bathrooms after complaint

Michigan State University Amends Co-Ed Community Bathroom Policy Following Concerns

Michigan State University has reconsidered its earlier decision to convert all community…
Ex-DOJ worker accused of hurling sandwich that ‘exploded’ on federal officer claims it was protest, not crime

Former DOJ Employee Defends Sandwich Throwing as a Form of Protest, Not a Crime

In a federal courtroom in Washington, D.C., a man stands firm in…
Chinese student arrested for allegedly smuggling undeclared biological materials seen in new mugshot

Chinese Researchers Accused of Illegally Transporting Biological Samples to the US

The U.S. Department of Justice revealed on Wednesday that three Chinese scholars…
Dave Portnoy Rejoices Over Leaving NYC After Socialist Zohran Mamdani's Election

Dave Portnoy Celebrates Exit from NYC Following Zohran Mamdani’s Election Victory

Barstool Sports founder Dave Portnoy expressed immense relief at having left New…
12 Israeli-Linked Cell Phones at UVU day of Kirk’s Assassination

Twelve Cell Phones with Israeli Connections Detected at UVU on Day of Kirk’s Assassination

Candace Owens revealed explosive new details about the assassination of conservative figure…
Manhunt launched for North Carolina man wanted in grandmother's murder, deputy stabbing, arson

Urgent Manhunt: North Carolina Fugitive Sought for Gruesome Crimes Against Family and Law Enforcement

The search for a North Carolina man accused of a series of…
UPS cargo plane engine fell off before fiery Kentucky crash that killed 11; FBI investigating

FBI Investigates Fatal Kentucky Crash After UPS Cargo Plane Loses Engine

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported on Wednesday that during takeoff,…
Louisiana mom of 3 honored for giving police officer a ride in chase to catch suspected shoplifter

Heroic Louisiana Mom of Three Aids in Thrilling Police Chase, Earns Recognition

A mother of three from Louisiana received recognition on Tuesday for her…