Pictured are two young brothers, ages five and eight, who died after a suspected drunk driver crashed into the children’s birthday party they were attending at the Swan Creek Boat Club in Berlin Township. , Michigan.
Lana, eight, and Zayn, five, died in the crash, while their mother, Mariah, and older brother, Jayden, are fighting for their lives.
TO GoFundMe It has been created to help cover children’s funeral expenses.
‘My sister and her family lost their two babies to a drunk driver in Monroe, MI. Mom Mariah and older brother Jayden are still in critical condition at this time. “The money raised will help Lana, 8, and Zayn, 5, have a proper funeral and burial service,” wrote Mariah’s sister, Diane Harrington.
‘The leftover money will help the family with medical and housing expenses. Thank you for your support during this time.”
Lana, eight, and Zayn, five, seen together in the center, died in the crash, while their mother Mariah, right, and older brother Jayden, left, are fighting for their lives.
Lana and Zayn are seen alongside her older brother Jayden in a previous family photo.
Flowers were left at the scene on Sunday where a driver smashed through a wall at the Swan Boat Club during a child’s birthday party the day before.
Horrific images showed balloons and party glasses scattered after a suspected drink driver crashed a children’s birthday party, killing two young siblings and leaving at least nine victims fighting for their lives.
Another 15 people, including eight other children, were also seriously injured after a suspected drink driver broke into the party venue on Saturday afternoon.
Horrific images captured the aftermath as scattered balloons and party glasses lay among the rubble.
The Swan Creek Boat Club, where the tragic accident occurred, posted a statement on Facebook: “Yesterday, during this tragic event, the lives of two young children, Lana and Zayn, were lost. Our deepest condolences to this family and everyone else involved. That family has asked us to publicize their fund to help with the funeral arrangements for the two children. Please help if you can.’
An unidentified 66-year-old suspect was arrested at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township, where shocking footage captured her car flying more than 25 feet into the building hosting the children’s party.
The driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence causing death, and officials said they anticipate filing more charges.
Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough became visibly emotional at a news conference.
Surveillance footage showed the alleged drunk driver swerving erratically before crashing into a yacht club hosting the children’s party, injuring or killing a total of 15 people.
The horror unfolded Saturday around 3 p.m. in Berlin Township, Michigan, when authorities said the vehicle flew more than 25 feet toward the Swan Boat Club where the party was being held.
Authorities described the horror scenes as “extremely chaotic” as the young siblings were pronounced dead while helicopters and ambulances took survivors to hospital.
Authorities are called to the Swan Creek Boat Club after a driver crashed a vehicle into a building where a children’s birthday party was being held.
The Swan Creek Yacht Club in Berlin Township, where two children were killed and several people were injured Saturday afternoon.
In images captured by the Monroe County ReportersThe crumpled remains of the yacht club showed the thin exterior walls where the vehicle crashed.
The Sheriff’s Office explained how when the woman crashed her vehicle into the building, she traveled 25 feet further in due to the extreme speed at which she was traveling.
A large presence of first responders were called to the scene shortly after 3pm, where Goodnough said the scenes were “extremely chaotic” with “a high level of emotion”.
In surveillance footage taken across the parking lot, the alleged drunk driver’s vehicle was seen swerving erratically.
The car sped past the parked vehicles before crashing into the side of the yacht club, at the exact moment dozens of children and parents were celebrating a birthday party inside.
A child was reportedly trapped under the vehicle as it flew through the building, while the brother and sister who lost their lives were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
Helicopters and ambulances transported nine victims to nearby hospitals, whose lives were in danger.
Other victims were also taken to the hospital in private vehicles, Goodnough said.
A total of 15 adults and children were killed or injured in the horror scenes.
Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough became visibly emotional at a news conference when he confirmed that the victims, an eight-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy, were siblings.
Helicopters were used to transport victims to nearby hospitals, and nine of the 13 surviving victims were left in life-threatening condition.
The sheriff said authorities refused to identify the 66-year-old suspect.
“Additional criminal charges are likely to be filed against the driver as the investigation continues,” Goodnough added. Authorities said she was cooperating with investigators.
Investigators believe the driver had been at a tavern about five miles from the yacht club before the crash, which police closed Saturday afternoon following the crash.
Authorities said they intend to execute a search warrant at the tavern as part of the investigation into how the tragedy unfolded.
The Swan Boat club shared a short statement on Facebook, saying: “There was a terrible accident in Swan today with many injuries and a lot of damage to the pavilion.
‘Please keep all the people and families present in your prayers.’
The yacht club said it would close while officials conduct their investigation.