Two young siblings died after a vehicle driven by a suspected drunken driver crashed into a birthday party at a boat club.

“Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough said an 8-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother died in the crash when a 66-year-old woman crashed 25 feet into the building at about 3 p.m. at the Swan Creek Boat Club in Berlin Township, about 30 miles south of Detroit,” ABC7 Chicago reports.

“Multiple law enforcement and emergency personnel, along with medical helicopters, are currently on the scene following a mass casualty incident that occurred earlier this evening around 3PM. A 66-year-old woman, identified as a drunk driver, crashed her SUV into the Swan Creek boat club building. The incident took place during a child’s birthday party, resulting in serious to life-threatening injuries for numerous individuals, including both children and adults, with some children trapped under the car,” Rawsalerts wrote.

“Officials have confirmed that 15 people were injured, with 9 sustaining serious to life-threatening injuries, and tragically, two children have died from the crash – an eight-year-old female and a five-year-old male. A neighbor’s doorbell camera captured the SUV speeding down the road, past the parking lot, and towards the building, as well as people fleeing from and towards the scene. Police have initiated an ongoing investigation into the incident,” the post added.

Rawsalerts added:

Here’s what we know so far:

– At least 15 victims have been confirmed.
– Two children, an 8-year-old girl, and a 5-year-old boy, have died.
– At least 9 people have been taken to the hospital in critical to life-threatening conditions, including 3 children.
– Police have identified a 66-year-old who was highly intoxicated and drove her SUV, crashing into the building

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“First aid was provided to approximately about 15 victims, which included adults and young children,” Goodnough said during a news conference.

CBS News reports:

The two young siblings were pronounced dead at the scene, Goodnough said. Nine other people — six adults and three children —were transported by helicopter or ambulance to area hospitals with serious or life-threatening injuries, he added.

Several more people were taken to area hospitals by private vehicle.

Goodnough said the crash scene “was described by the first responders as extremely chaotic with high levels of emotions of those directly involved and those who witnessed this horrific incident.”

It’s unclear how many people were in the building at the time of the crash, Goodnough disclosed.

The sheriff did not identify the woman driving the vehicle, but said she was taken into custody suspected of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated causing death.

“Additional criminal charges will likely be brought against the driver as the investigation proceeds,” Goodnough said.

This story is developing.

 

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