BERLIN TWP. (WWJ) — Two siblings — and 8-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy — were killed when a suspected drunk driver crashed into a children's birthday party at the Swan Boat Club in Monroe County Saturday afternoon.
In total, according to the Monroe County Sheriff's office, there were 15 victims. Nine of them — three children and six adults — were taken to hospitals with serious or life-threatening injuries via ambulance or life-flight helicopter.
The names of the brother and sister who were killed had not been released, as of Sunday morning. It was not clear who the birthday celebration was held for.
"At this time, investigators are continuing to process evidence at the scene, identify victims, interview witnesses and reunite family members," Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough said at a press conference Saturday evening.
The 66-year-old woman crashed into a building at the Swan Boat Club on Brancheau Road in Berlin Township around 3 p.m. Saturday. She was being held at the Monroe County Jail.
The woman's name has not yet been released, as officials say the case is still under review and further charges could be coming.
"The scene was described by first responders as 'extremely chaotic' with high level of emotions of those directly involved and those who witnessed this horrific incident," Goodnough said.
Surveillance video obtained by WXYZ-Channel 7 shows the driver careening into the building. According to WXYZ, she drove about 25 feet inside the building before coming to a stop. Photos on Facebook show a large hole in the side of the building.
Authorities believe the woman was at a nearby bar before the crash on Saturday and investigators plan to serve a search warrant at that bar, according to WDIV.
