BERLIN TOWNSHIP, MI – A pair of young siblings, aged 5 and 8, fell victim to a horrific crash at a Swan Boat Club-hosted birthday party in Berlin Township, Michigan. The fatalities were the outcome of a suspected case of drunk driving, which left a total of 13 people severely injured on Saturday, as reported by local authorities.
The incident unfolded at approximately 3 p.m. when a 66-year-old female driver rammed through the club’s north wall and ended up striking over a dozen individuals in the building. Her vehicle finally halted its course 25 feet inside the structure.
As per Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough, first responders managed to administer first aid to 15 people, nine of whom were immediately transported to regional hospitals owing to life-threatening injuries.
Tragically, the young siblings could not be saved and succumbed to their injuries at the scene. Four others made their way to the hospital independently in private vehicles.
Sheriff Goodnough described the scene as ‘extremely chaotic,’ marked by heightened emotional distress exhibited by the directly impacted individuals and witnesses.
Post the incident, the driver, whose identity has not been released, was arrested on suspicion of operating while intoxicated, causing death. As the investigation proceeds, the sheriff’s office anticipates potential additional charges against her.
Authorities also noted a nearby tavern under investigation, where the driver might have been before the crash. The tavern was subsequently closed, and a search warrant execution is underway.
Investigative efforts on the scene are directed toward evidence processing, victim identification, and witness interviews. As the situation evolves, the club has announced its closure the following day, Sunday, April 21. The club’s commodore, Dan Riordan, has requested prayers for the victims and their families affected by the accident on the club’s social media.