- Balloons and party cups scattered among the rubble after a suspected drink driver breaks into a children’s birthday party
- Two brothers, ages 5 and 8, were tragically killed and nine others suffered fatal injuries after the horrific crash in Michigan on Saturday.
- A total of 15 children and adults were injured or killed, in what officials described as “extremely chaotic” scenes.
Two young brothers were tragically killed and nine other people are fighting for their lives after a suspected drunk driver crashed a children’s birthday party in Michigan.
Horrific images captured the aftermath as balloons and scattered party glasses lay amid the rubble, where a total of 15 adults and children were killed or injured on Saturday afternoon.
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 where he revealed that the two victims, ages 5 and 8, were brothers.
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.
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.
In images captured by the Monroe County ReportersThe crumpled remains of the yacht club showed the thin outer walls where the vehicle crashed.
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, which was going at full speed, passed by the parked vehicles before crashing into the side of the yacht club, at the same time that dozens of children and parents were enjoying a birthday party inside.
A child was reportedly trapped under the vehicle as it flew through the building, and 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 were refusing to identify the 66-year-old suspect, who was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death.
“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.