CRIME
2 Children Dead, Over A Dozen Injured After Alleged Drunken Driver Crashes Into Kids’ Party
Monroe County Sheriff's Office
A young brother and sister in Michigan are dead after a suspected drunken driver crashed into the building where a child’s birthday party was being held on Saturday, police said.
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office said emergency responders were dispatched to the Swan Creek Boat Club in Berlin Township at around 3 p.m. Saturday after a vehicle crashed into a building, coming to a rest about 25 feet inside, the sheriff’s office said.
First responders arrived to find an extremely chaotic scene, with high levels of emotion by those directly involved and those who witnessed this horrific incident, the sheriff’s office said.
Along with the Berlin Township Fire Department, fire and EMS services from several neighboring communities also responded to the scene. The sheriff’s office said first aid was provided to approximately 15 victims, including adults and children.
An eight-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother were pronounced dead at the scene. Three children and 6 adults were transported by ambulance or helicopter to local hospitals with serious injuries. Several others were privately transported for medical treatment, the sheriff’s office said.
The driver, a 66-year-old woman who was not publicly identified by authorities, was arrested at the scene on a preliminary charge of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death.
Family members on Sunday identified the children who died as Lana and Zayn, and said their mother, Mariah, and older brother, Jayden, remained hospitalized in critical condition, according to a GoFundMe set up to raise funds for funeral expenses and medical bills.
Lana and Zayn attended Bobcean Elementary School, while Jayden attends Simpson Middle School, and Flat Rock Community Schools Superintendent Andrew Brodie said counselors and social workers would be on hand this week to assist impacted students and families.
Our entire school community is reeling from this devastating news, and our hearts ache for the families and loved ones of those affected by this unimaginable tragedy, Brodie wrote in a message to the school community. Words cannot adequately express the depth of our sorrow, nor can they ease the pain of those who are grieving. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with every one of you during this incredibly difficult time.
The sheriff’s office said the crash remains under investigation.
Additional criminal charges will likely be brought against the driver as the investigation proceeds, the sheriff’s office said. The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and the Michigan State Police are assisting in the investigation.
TMX contributed to this article.
