After 'Unimaginable' Portillo's Tragedy, Kauffman Says 'Nothing Is Off The Table' In Safety Discussions

OSWEGO, IL — A car slammed through the entrance of Portillo's in Oswego Wednesday afternoon, leaving 12 people injured and a toddler dead, according to police.

On Thursday, Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman issued a statement expressing his heartbreak, saying, "As Village President, I carry a deep responsibility for the safety of everyone in our community. But as a father, this tragedy hits especially hard. ... The loss of a 2-year-old child is unimaginable, and our entire community is grieving alongside the family."

He said the tragedy is prompting the village to review its ordinances and safety protocols "to identify what more can be done to help prevent such tragedies in the future. ... 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."

Oswego police and paramedics responded at 1:55 p.m. Wednesday to the restaurant, 2810 Route 34, for reports of a car crashing into the restaurant. A 2-year-old boy was killed, and thirteen adults were injured, officials said.

The investigation is in its early stages, but police said preliminary information suggests the incident "was a tragic accident."

RELATED: Toddler Dies, 12 Others Injured When Car Plows Into Portillo's: Oswego Police

As of Thursday morning, officials said they are not able to share any additional information, but here's what we know so far from the Oswego police and fire departments.

The victims

The 13 victims were between the ages of 2 and 60. A 2-year-old boy was the sole fatality.

"On behalf of the police and fire department, we extend our deepest condolences to the family during this devastating time," Oswego Police Chief Jason Bastin said in a statement. "We ask that their privacy be respected as they grieve this unimaginable loss."

Eight people were hospitalized — seven at Rush Copley Medical Center in Aurora and one at Edward Hospital in Naperville — and five were treated at the scene and released.

The toddler was the only minor who was injured, according to authorities. Three other people sustained serious injuries, Fire Chief Josh Flanders said.

The victims had been in the restaurant, though police are still investigating whether they were seated or standing when the car plowed through the entrance.

The driver

The driver, a 50-year-old woman from Canton, Michigan, was the only occupant in the car. She was among those who were hospitalized.

She was speaking to police after the crash, but officials could not say whether the crash was a result of a medical emergency.

"This is a preliminary investigation," Bastin said at a Wednesday news conference. "We have had our crash reconstructionists out as well as our officers and our investigators and are speaking to everyone involved, including witnesses, the driver, and we do not have all that information yet at this time."

Bastin said it's too early to say whether charges could be filed.

Portillo's statement

The Oswego Portillo's was marked on Google as "temporarily closed" on Thursday and Friday.

In a statement to Patch, Portillo's said, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic accident involving a car that struck our Oswego restaurant [Wednesday], 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."

Village action

In his statement Thursday, Kauffman said while the village has long required bollards for outdoor dining spaces, officials will begin considering other safety measures.

"This has not previously been a topic of discussion at the Village Board level, but it will be now," he said. "I intend to bring this forward at a future meeting. We owe it to the families who are hurting—and to everyone who lives, works or visits here—to take a hard look at how we can improve public safety."

Kauffman also urged the community to attend the Aug. 4 village board meeting, saying, "We will observe a moment of silence to honor the child who was lost and those impacted by this tragedy."

Meetings are at 7 p.m. in the Board Room of Oswego Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill.