BERLIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Two kids were killed and several other children and adults were seriously injured after a suspected drunk driver drove a vehicle through a building where a birthday party was being held in Monroe County.

Emergency crews responded to the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township at 3 p.m. on Saturday after a vehicle drove through a building during a children’s birthday party.

The party was for a young child, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The vehicle struck the north wall of the facility, entered the building and came to rest approximately 25 feet inside.

First aid was issued to a total of 15 victims, including children and adults. Nine of them -- three kids and six adults -- were transported to local hospitals with serious life-threatening injuries, according to police. Several others were transported by private citizens for medical treatment.

Two children, an 8-year-old girl and a 5-year-old boy, were pronounced dead at the scene. Police said they were siblings.

The driver of the vehicle, a 66-year-old woman who has not been identified, was arrested for suspected drunk driving, and is likely to face criminal charges.

She was cooperating with authorities. Authorities were notified that the woman may have been at a nearby tavern before the incident, Sheriff Goodnough said, adding they closed it down and planned to execute a search warrant there as part of the investigation.

There were multiple ambulances on the scene, and helicopters airlifting people out of the area. Investigators are still working to identify victims and reunite families.

Car plows through Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township. (Photo: Shane Neckel) (Shane Neckel)

About the Authors

Ken Haddad

Ken Haddad has been with Local 4/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He helps lead news coverage and content across broadcast and digital platforms. He's from the Metro Detroit area, and loves covering important news (and sports) in his hometown.

twitter

instagram

Jacqueline Francis headshot

Jacqueline Francis

Jacqueline Francis is an award-winning journalist who joined the WDIV team in September 2022. Prior to Local 4, she reported for the NBC affiliate in West Michigan. When she’s not on the job, Jacqueline enjoys taking advantage of all the wonders Michigan has to offer, from ski trips up north to beach days with her dog, Ace.

twitter

Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines.

CLICK ON DEALS

Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription

A screen time solution parents actually love — meet Pok Pok

Read full article: A screen time solution parents actually love — meet Pok Pok

Apple MacBook Air 13.3" (2017) 1.8GHz i5 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Silver (Refurbished)

Get a highly rated refurbished 13.3″ i5 8GB 128GB Apple MacBook Air for just 0

Read full article: Get a highly rated refurbished 13.3″ i5 8GB 128GB Apple MacBook Air for just 0

TV Listings
Email Newsletters
RSS Feeds
Contests and Rules
Contact Us
Careers at WDIV
Closed Captioning / Audio Description
Public File
Current EEO Report
Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
Do Not Sell My Info
FCC Applications
Cookie Preferences

Visit our YouTube page (opens in a new tab) Visit our Facebook page (opens in a new tab) Visit our Instagram page (opens in a new tab) Visit our X page (opens in a new tab) Visit our RSS Feed page (opens in a new tab)

Get Results With Omne Omne Results Logo

If you need help with the Public File, call (313) 222-0566

At WDIV, we are committed to informing and delighting our audience. In our commitment to covering our communities with innovation and excellence, we incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies to enhance our news gathering, reporting, and presentation processes. Read our article to see how we are using Artificial Intelligence.

Memory used: 710.15KB of 4MB
Render time: 0.610 sec., Version: 3.5.4