BERLIN TOWNSHIP, MONROE COUNTY, Mich — A somber scene unfolded at 6332 Bradshaw Road Saturday afternoon when a vehicle, driven by a 66-year-old woman, crashed into the north wall of a building hosting a children’s birthday party, leading to multiple casualties.
According to emergency services, the vehicle penetrated the building around 3 p.m. Eastern Time, coming to a halt approximately 25 feet inside the premises of the Boat Club. Officials report that the incident resulted in two fatalities and numerous injuries among party attendees, including children.
Tragically, two young siblings, an eight-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy, were pronounced dead at the location. The authorities have reported that three other children and six adults were also hospitalized following the incident.
Upon arrival, emergency responders found a chaotic scene with about 15 people needing immediate medical attention, including adults and children. “First aid was provided on the spot before nine of the victims, who sustained serious, life-threatening injuries, were transported to local hospitals by ambulance and medical helicopters,” said an emergency official at the scene.
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The driver of the vehicle, whose name has not been released, has been taken into police custody under suspicion of operating the vehicle while intoxicated, causing death. Despite the ongoing investigation, officials noted that criminal charges against her are likely.
“The scene was extremely chaotic, filled with high emotional levels from those involved and witnesses,” described a first responder. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office is leading the active investigation, with assistance from several local fire departments and emergency services, including the University of Michigan Survival Flight, which dispatched two helicopters to the scene.
As the community reels from this devastating event, the focus remains on supporting the victims and their families during this difficult time, and determining the sequence of events that led to this tragedy.
