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2 kids killed, 15 injured after car plows through birthday party in Monroe County

Driver arrested for drunk driving

Vehicle crashes through building during party in Berlin Township, Michigan, on April 20, 2024. (Photos: Shane Neckel) (Shane Neckel)

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 headshot

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

Jacqueline Francis headshot

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.