Memorial grows after 2-year-old boy killed, 13 injured in crash at Oswego Portillo's

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 and injuring 13 others.

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The number of stuffed animals and flowers grew throughout the day Thursday at the base of a tree near the Portillo's restaurant.

"It's just very touching, very emotional time for us to come by here and just see this," Oswego resident Lydia Chavez said.

Longtime Oswego resident Chris Baker kneeled in prayer as the community struggles to make sense of the tragic accident at Portillo's that claimed the life of a young boy.

"As a father of three, I can't imagine what the family is 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."

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.

Investigators said preliminary information suggested a 50-year-old woman accidentally plowed her car through the entrance of popular far west suburban eatery located near Route 34.

Oswego police said the toddler was struck, and he later died at a nearby hospital from his injuries.

The Kane County Coroner's Office said it has no plans to release the identity of the deceased 2-year-old boy.

John Proud said he was employed at the Oswego Portillo's for a number of years and was working Wednesday at his current job at a nearby restaurant when the unthinkable happened.

"At the time it happened, that's the time. I usually take my cigarette break so I'm thinking thank God I wasn't there, but it was just mayhem," Proud said.

The front entrance of the restaurant was boarded up as the Portillo's remains closed for business.

Portillo's said in a statement Wednesday, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving a car that struck our Oswego restaurant this afternoon, and 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 onsite, 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 the day. We will defer all additional questions 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."

That seems to be the intent of those stopping by the restaurant Thursday.

"They thought someone needed to remember everyone involved and the child the passed away," resident Laurie Stastica said.

Oswego police said they are still investigating to determine how the vehicle wound up in the restaurant. At this point they are calling it an accident.

"Crazy fluke of an accident. You just never know," resident Katelyn Thomlinson said.

ABC7 reached out to the woman the car was licensed to. She had no comment, but said she is praying for the victims and their families.

"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.

Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman shared a link on his Facebook page to a GoFundMe page he says was created by the family of the 2-year-old boy who was killed.

Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman shared a statement, saying in part, "We've begun reviewing our ordinances and safety protocols to identify what more can be done to help prevent such tragedies in the future. Oswego has required bollards for all commercial outdoor dining areas for decades, but we know that we must continue to evaluate and strengthen protections in public spaces. We are also looking into how other communities have responded to similar incidents, and we are actively exploring additional safety measures. Nothing is off the table when it comes to protecting lives. This has not previously been a topic of discussion at the Village Board level, but it will be now. I intend to bring this forward at a future meeting... 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."