Michigan, US: Two children dead after suspected drunk driver crashes into birthday party
A 66-year-old woman was behind the wheel of the vehicle when she crashed and travelled 25 feet into the building, US authorities have said.
Sunday 21 April 2024 05:13, UK
Two children are dead, and a further 15 people have been injured after a suspected drunk driver crashed into a birthday party at a boat club in the US.
The two children who died at the scene in Berlin Township, Michigan, on Saturday were a brother, aged 5, and sister, aged 8.
Several people have been seriously injured, according to Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough.
"The scene was described by the first responders as extremely chaotic, with high level of emotions of those directly involved and those who witnessed this horrific incident," he said.
Three children and six adults were taken to hospitals by helicopters or ambulances, some with life-threatening injuries.
Others injured were given first aid at the scene, and some of them were taken to hospitals by private vehicles.
The sheriff said a 66-year-old woman was behind the wheel of the vehicle when she crashed and travelled 25 feet into the building.
The incident occurred at about 3pm at the Swan Creek Boat Club in Berlin Township, 30 miles south of Detroit.
The club released a statement saying: "There was a terrible accident at Swan today with many injuries, and much damage to the pavilion.
"Please keep all the people and families in attendance in your prayers. Because of this, Swan will be closed tomorrow, Sunday April 21."
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He did not name the woman driving the vehicle but said she was taken into custody suspected of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, causing death.
She is co-operating with authorities, he said, and is likely to face more charges as the investigation progresses.
She is being held at Monroe County Jail.
Authorities were notified that the woman may have been at a nearby tavern before the incident, Sheriff Goodnough said, adding they closed it down and planned to search there as part of the investigation.