2 Kids Killed At Birthday Party After Vehicle Drives Into Building: Police

BERLIN TOWNSHIP, MI — Two children were killed and more than a dozen others were injured after a vehicle driven by a suspected drunk driver crashed into a building where a child’s birthday party was being held Saturday in Monroe County, according to police.

An 8-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother were pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Authorities responded around 3 p.m. to the Swan Boat Club in the 6300 block of Brancheau Road in Berlin Township, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, which reported the vehicle hit the north wall of the structure, coming to rest about 25 feet inside.

“The scene was described as ‘extremely chaotic,’ with high levels of emotion by those directly involved and those who witnessed this horrific incident,” according to a news release from the sheriff’s office.

About 15 victims received first aid, including adults and young children, police said. Three children and six adults were taken by ambulance or helicopter to local hospitals with serious injuries, and several others were brought by members of the public to be treated, according to police.

The driver, a 66-year-old woman, was taken into custody on suspicion of driving while intoxicated causing death, police said, adding more charges are expected.

Authorities were notified the woman may have been at a nearby tavern before the incident, Sheriff Troy Goodnough said, adding they closed the establishment and planned to execute a search warrant there as part of the investigation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.