BERLIN TWP. (WWJ) — Charges are expected to be filed Tuesday against a 66-year-old woman accused of driving drunk and crashing into a children’s birthday party in Monroe County over the weekend.
Police officials on Monday provided new details in the crash that left two siblings dead. They have been identified as 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and her 4-year-old brother, Zayn Phillips.
They were killed when the suspected drunk driver crashed into the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township around 3 p.m. Saturday. Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough described the scene as “extremely chaotic” as the woman’s car went about 25 feet into the building.
In addition to the siblings who were killed, the sheriff’s office says nine others were taken to the hospital via ambulance or air ambulance.
Officials on Monday identified those victims and disclosed their conditions:
• 31-year-old woman who remains in critical condition
• 11-year-old boy who remains in critical condition
• 18-year-old girl in serious condition
• 16-year-old girl in serious condition
• 14-year-old boy in serious condition
• 70-year-old woman with minor injuries
• 66-year-old woman with minor injuries
• 62-year-old woman with minor injuries
• 57-year-old woman with minor injuries
Several others also sustained minor incidents, including a 42-year-old man who “sought treatment on his own for minor injuries,” according to the sheriff’s office.
“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,” Goodnough said during a Saturday press briefing.
Monroe County Prosecutor Jeff Yorkey said in an earlier press release Monday that a charging decision is expected to be made at some point on Tuesday.
The suspect, whose name has not been released, pending charges, remains in custody at the Monroe County Jail.
Family members of the children killed have already raised more than $175,000 through a GoFundMe page. Flat Rock Community Schools, where the siblings attended class, had counselors and social workers on-hand Monday morning.
The siblings’ mother and older brother were both listed in critical condition on Sunday, according to the GoFundMe page.
The sheriff’s office is still investigating the crash and is asking anyone who knows something to call the Detective Bureau at 734-240-7530.
“The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and first responders continue to keep our thoughts and prayers with the victims and their families,” the department said in a Monday press release.