Vehicle Strikes Wood River Taco Bell, Causing Major Damage

WOOD RIVER — A truck struck a Taco Bell in Wood River on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, causing major damage and closing the restaurant for an undetermined period. Wood River Police said the driver reported losing the brakes and swerving to avoid a car stopped at a traffic light. Wood River Police Chief Wells said no injuries were reported.

The Wood River Fire Department received a report of the crash at approximately 10:35 a.m. Thursday. Wood River firefighters and Wood River police officers responded to the scene.

Wells said the truck was traveling southbound on Wesley Drive when, according to the driver, its brakes failed.

"The driver swerved to avoid a stopped car, then entered the Taco Bell property and struck the building, destroying a bathroom and causing extensive damage," Wells said.

No tickets were issued, Wells said.

Water service to the building was shut off, and Ameren Illinois was called to shut off power because of the damage. Wells said the Taco Bell restaurant is now unable to operate because of the damage and would remain closed for an "undetermined amount of time."

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