Young siblings killed, 15 injured after drunk driver crashes into child’s birthday party, sheriff says

Two siblings, ages 5 and 8, were killed when an alleged intoxicated driver slammed into a building. Source: WTVG
Published: Apr. 20, 2024 at 9:23 PM EDT|Updated: Apr. 20, 2024 at 10:07 PM EDT
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BERLIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WTVG/Gray News) - Two siblings died and 15 people were seriously injured after a drunk driver slammed into a building at a child’s birthday party, according to authorities.

Crews from several agencies responded to the Swan Boat Club on Saturday around 3 p.m. in Michigan.

Authorities said a 66-year-old woman was taken into custody and charged with operating while intoxicated causing death, WTVG reported. Her vehicle allegedly stopped 25 feet after slamming through the wall.

Officials said an 8-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy died at the scene.

Additionally, 15 victims were also injured, including adults and young children. In total, nine people were taken to a hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries, WTVG reported.

As of now, Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough did not identify the woman driving the vehicle but she was taken into custody.

“The scene was described by the first responders as extremely chaotic, with high levels of emotions of those directly involved, and those who witnessed this horrific incident,” Goodnough said.

Police are still in the early stages of the investigation.

Her name won’t be released until after she’s arraigned.