Police investigation continues after car crashes into Oswego Portillo’s, killing 2-year-old boy inside restaurant

OSWEGO, Ill. (WGN) — Police continue to investigate how a car crashed into a Portillo’s restaurant in west suburban Oswego on Wednesday afternoon, killing a 2-year-old boy and injuring 13 others, including the driver.

While police say they’re still reviewing surveillance video and looking at all the other evidence around the scene, all preliminary indications lead them to believe it was just a terrible accident.

While deliveries are still being made to the restaurant, it will remain closed at least through Thursday.

According to Oswego police, the 2-year-old was inside the restaurant, located at 2810 Route 34 near Douglas Road, when the crash happened just before 2 p.m. Wednesday.

Of the 13 other people injured, paramedics rushed eight to a nearby hospital — including the driver, a 50-year-woman, according to police. Three people suffered serious injuries, and 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 they said they are not ruling it out.

Based on their preliminary findings, police say, 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.”

‘An absolutely tragic thing’

Delivery driver Chris Baker told WGN-TV that he stopped to say a prayer at the restaurant Thursday morning.

“As a father of three, I can’t imagine what those families are going through, those injured, and of course the family that lost their little one,” Baker said. “It’s just an absolutely tragic thing. I can’t even imagine being in their position.

“I just wanted to come and pray for a moment.”

Maria Garcia, who lives in the area, spoke with WGN-TV after the crash, saying that it appeared emotions overcame several Portillo’s employees.

“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.”

Others who spoke with WGN-TV said they’re heartbroken, as the crash occurred amid a busy time of day for the restaurant.

Portillo’s issued a statement Wednesday, saying in part that it’s “deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving a car that struck our Oswego restaurant …

“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

WATCH: 2-year-old killed after vehicle crashes into Portillo’s in Oswego, police announce