IN OSWEGO, IL— Friday, Illinois police gave new information about the crash that killed a 2-year-old boy and hurt 12 others inside a Portillo’s restaurant. They said they haven’t decided yet if they will charge the woman who was driving from Michigan. It took place in Oswego, Illinois.
Police also said that actually 13 people were hurt in the crash, not 14 as officials had first said. The people who were taken to the hospital were between the ages of 20 and 60.
“First responders arrived to a chaotic and critical scene” just before 2 p.m. Wednesday, when a 2011 Lincoln MKZ sedan crashed through the front door and into the restaurant, hurting several people, including the toddler. “Our officers were first on scene and immediately began life-saving efforts, including CPR administered to the child,” they said.
Police said that early results “suggest the crash may have been accidental in nature,” but they are still looking into what caused it. A 50-year-old woman from Canton, Michigan, was the driver. Officials said they have not yet decided if she will be charged.
Eight people, including the 2-year-old boy, were taken to hospitals in the area. The boy was later pronounced dead. Police say that five other victims were checked out at the scene and chose not to receive any further medical care. One of the people who was taken to the hospital was the Lincoln’s driver.
“No names will be given out out of respect for everyone who is affected,” police said Friday. “We know that this has been very upsetting for the victims, their families, our community, and our first responders.” Supporting materials have been made available, and we urge anyone who needs it to get help.
Several police and fire departments in the area helped by giving emergency care and keeping the scene safe.
“Their well-coordinated response was instrumental in ensuring public safety and effective incident management,” police said. “We also want to thank the management and staff of Portillo’s, as well as the customers who helped during the incident.” We really appreciate their help during this situation. As the investigation goes on, more information will be shared.
It was still said that Portillo’s restaurant was temporarily closed on Friday afternoon.
Thursday, Ryan Kauffman, President of Oswego Village, talked about how sad he was and said that the village will look into ways to stop tragedies like this from happening again. “We are also researching how other communities have dealt with similar situations and are actively looking into ways to make things safer.” “If we want to save lives, nothing is off the table,” he said.
“At the Village Board meeting on Monday, Aug. 4, we will observe a moment of silence to honor the child who was lost and those impacted by this tragedy,” he said. “I invite the community to join us in mourning and reflection.”
At the same time, a memorial was being built outside of Portillo’s to honor the two-year-old who died and the twelve others who were hurt.
People in the area have been leaving flowers and stuffed animals at the scene. “When you go out to eat with your family, you don’t worry about who might not come back.” That’s awful, someone in the community told the news source.
