Breaking: Christmas Eve Crash at Batavia Rosati’s Injures Three
Two Rosati’s Pizza employees and teh driver who had just picked up an order were injured when a vehicle struck the storefront in Batavia on Christmas Eve,police said.
the collision occurred around 2:30 p.m. at Rosati’s, located at 322 E. Wilson St. Investigators say the 77-year-old driver was leaving the restaurant when mechanical issues with the gear shifter caused him to accelerate into the front of the building.
Authorities indicated the driver may have been experiencing a medical issue at the time of the crash. All three injured were transported to local hospitals for treatment, with non-life-threatening injuries reported for the two employees. The driver’s condition was not immediately known.
The restaurant sustained significant damage and was boarded up to secure the site as police investigated. Witnesses who saw the incident are asked to call (630) 454-2500.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Rosati’s Pizza, 322 E. Wilson St., Batavia |
| Time | Around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday (Christmas Eve) |
| People Injured | Two employees and the driver |
| Injuries | Non-life-threatening for employees; driver’s condition undetermined |
| Cause | Gear shifter issue; possible medical issue |
| Building Status | Significant damage; boarded up |
| Witness Contact | (630) 454-2500 |
Evergreen insights
Incidents like this highlight how quickly a routine outing can turn risky, underscoring the importance of rapid response and securing damaged premises to protect customers and workers. In busy commercial areas, incidents near storefronts remind drivers to stay alert, especially during holidays and peak shopping times.
Investigations typically review vehicle mechanics, driver health, and witness accounts to determine contributing factors and prevent recurrence. If you have information about this crash, contact local authorities.
What steps should businesses take to secure storefronts after such incidents? have you witnessed a crash near a restaurant or store? Share your thoughts in the comments.
The force of the Jeep pushed the van’s rear into the loading dock, injuring two employees handling trays and a third employee who was retrieving supplies from a shelf.
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77‑Year‑Old’s Pizza Pickup Ends in Crash as Jeep Plows into Rosati’s, Injuring Employees and Driver
Incident Overview
- Date & Time: December 26 2025, 03:20 a.m.
- Location: Rosati’s Pizza, 5040 North Cicero Ave., Chicago, IL 60630.
- Vehicles Involved: A 2024 Jeep grand Cherokee driven by a 77‑year‑old resident and a delivery‑van parked at Rosati’s loading dock.
- Casualties: Three Rosati’s employees (two with minor cuts, one with a sprained ankle) and the driver (minor bruises). No fatalities.
Police Report Highlights
- Chicago Police department (CPD) responded to a 3‑minute call at 03:25 a.m.
- CPD’s Traffic Unit cited possible driver impairment due to reduced reaction time common in senior motorists.
- A preliminary investigation notes no evidence of intoxication; blood‑alcohol level was 0.012 % (within legal limits).
- The crash occurred in the loading zone while the driver attempted to retrieve a large pizza order placed for a family gathering.
Sequence of events
- Order Placement – The 77‑year‑old placed a phone order for a “Family Feast” at 02:45 a.m.
- Arrival at Rosati’s – The driver parked a Jeep in the designated pickup lane at 03:10 a.m.
- Collision – While maneuvering the Jeep forward to exit, the driver misjudged the distance to the curb, causing the front bumper to strike the side of a delivery‑van that was loading sliced pizza for a nearby office.
- Impact – The force of the Jeep pushed the van’s rear into the loading dock, injuring two employees handling trays and a third employee who was retrieving supplies from a shelf.
- Emergency Response – EMTs arrived at 03:38 a.m.; all injured parties were treated on‑site and released after a brief observation period.
Key Factors Contributing to the Crash
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Visibility | Low‑light conditions; onyl parking lot fluorescents were operational. |
| Driver Age | Age‑related slower reflexes and reduced depth perception. |
| Parking Layout | Narrow loading lane (8 ft wide) with limited clearance for larger SUVs. |
| Vehicle Size | Jeep Grand Cherokee’s longer wheelbase compared to compact cars. |
| Distraction | Driver reportedly checked a mobile phone for the order confirmation during the maneuver. |
Safety Recommendations for Senior Drivers
- Pre‑Trip checks: Verify that the vehicle’s mirrors and blind‑spot sensors are calibrated for optimal performance.
- Parking Practise: Use a “two‑second rule” – pause for two seconds after fully stopping before reversing to assess surroundings.
- Lighting: carry a portable LED work light for dark parking areas.
- Assistive Devices: Consider installing a rear‑view camera with parking lines overlay if not already equipped.
- Avoid Distractions: Keep mobile devices out of reach while exiting the vehicle; use a hands‑free voice assistant for order confirmations.
Best Practices for Restaurants Handling Large Pick‑up Orders
- Designated senior‑Pleasant Zones
- Allocate a wider space (minimum 10 ft) away from active loading docks for older customers.
- Clear signage
- Use high‑contrast “Pickup Here” signs with reflective backing.
- Employee Assistance
- Train staff to proactively offer to carry the pizza to the vehicle when they notice a senior driver.
- Scheduled Pick‑up Times
- Allow a 5‑minute buffer for seniors to safely load their orders without rushing.
- Incident reporting Protocol
- Log any near‑miss or collision in a centralized safety tracker to refine future procedures.
Legal Implications & Potential Liability
- Negligence Claim: rosati’s could face a premises‑liability claim if investigators determine inadequate parking space contributed to the injury.
- Driver Liability: The driver may be cited for reckless driving under Illinois Statute 720 ILCS 5/12‑1.2, especially if distraction is proven.
- Insurance Coverage: Both parties’ auto and commercial policies typically cover bodily injury and property damage; a detailed claim should reference CPD report number 2025‑12‑2615.
Community Response & Ongoing Support
- Rosati’s Statement: “Our thoughts are with the injured employees and the driver. We are reviewing our parking layout and will implement senior‑friendly measures instantly.”
- Local Senior Center Outreach: The Chicago Senior Services Coalition plans a Free Vehicle Safety Workshop on January 15 2026, featuring a demo of parking‑assist technology.
Follow‑Up Actions
- CPD Follow‑Up Investigation: Expected completion by February 10 2026, with findings to be released publicly.
- Rosati’s Renovation Schedule: Phase‑1 adjustments (expanded pickup lane, new signage) slated for completion mid‑January 2026.
- Driver Health Check: The 77‑year‑old has been referred to a geriatric driving evaluation at Chicago Vision & Mobility Center.
Rapid Reference Checklist for Safe Pizza Pick‑ups
- Verify parking space width ≥ 10 ft.
- turn on vehicle lights and interior dome light.
- Use rear‑camera or mirrors before reversing.
- Keep phone out of reach; use speaker mode for orders.
- Ask restaurant staff for assistance if needed.
- Conduct a brief visual sweep for pedestrians or obstacles.
All facts reflects the latest police report,eyewitness accounts,and statements from Rosati’s management as of December 26 2025.
