In Berlin Township, Michigan, an 8-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother lost their lives Saturday afternoon when a vehicle driven by a 66-year-old woman suspected of being under the influence crashed into a child’s birthday celebration. The event unfolded at the Swan Creek Boat Club outside of Detroit. In addition to the two children who were killed, three children and six adults were taken to area hospitals. Two helicopters were deployed to the scene to airlift the critically injured for emergency treatment.
Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough detailed that the vehicle penetrated 25 feet into the venue, causing devastation among the party-goers. “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,” Sheriff Goodnough said.
A young brother and sister died and several people were injured, some of them seriously, when a vehicle driven by a suspected drunken driver crashed into a young child's birthday party Saturday at a boat club, a Michigan sheriff said. https://t.co/cLtgEy4Mim
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Initial reports indicate that about 15 individuals, including adults and young children, required immediate medical attention. First responders administered first aid while three children and six adults with critical injuries were rushed to local hospitals by ambulance and helicopters. Additional attendees sought medical care via private transportation.
The driver was arrested at the scene and is being held at the Monroe County Jail. She is suspected of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death. The sheriff’s department also noted that the suspect might have been at a nearby tavern before the accident. As a result, the establishment was shut down, and authorities planned to execute a search warrant as part of their investigation.
The suburban area has been hit hard by the senseless deaths. In an area where people generally know one another, the incident has sparked new discussions about the dangers of drinking and driving.
In 2019, 204 children aged 14 and under tragically lost their lives in drunk driving incidents. Nationwide, alcohol-impaired driving remains a significant threat to the safety of our communities, contributing to thousands of deaths each year. In fact, nearly one-third of all traffic-related deaths in the U.S. involve a drunk driver, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive prevention strategies.
