Two young siblings were killed Saturday when a drunk driver crashed into a Michigan store where a children's birthday party was being held, authorities said.
Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnow said at a news conference Saturday evening that the vehicle crashed into the Swan Boat Club building in Berlin Charter Township around 3 p.m., eight meters from the building where a party was being held. He said it stopped inside.
The brothers, a 5-year-old boy and his 8-year-old sister, were pronounced dead at the scene. It was not immediately clear whether the party was for either child, and their names have not been released.
Mr Goodnow said about 13 people were injured, including nine who were hospitalized with “serious life-threatening injuries”.
The nine people (three children and six adults) were rushed to medical facilities by ambulance or the University of Michigan's helicopter.
Several other people were injured and taken to hospitals by private vehicles, the sheriff said. Their terms were not available.
Goodnow said first responders described the scene as “emotional and very chaotic.”
According to police, the driver, a 66-year-old woman, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of causing death by driving under the influence. It's unclear whether she will need medical attention.
The woman's name has not been released. Goodnow said additional criminal charges are likely to be filed against her.
He said the driver may have been at a nearby bar and grill, and investigators want to find out what happened there.
“We're in the process of going in, shutting down the business and executing an intelligence search warrant,” Goodnow said.
The venue did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Located in the community of Newport, Swan Boat Club is located on the shores of Lake Erie, about 30 miles south of Detroit. The venue's website also states that it is a members only club with a dock available for an annual membership fee.
It announced on Facebook that it would be closed until the weekend. “Please keep all those in attendance and their families in your prayers.”
