MONROE COUNTY, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Monroe County’s Berlin Township was marred by tragedy on Saturday afternoon as a driver crashed a vehicle into a building where a children’s birthday party was underway, leaving two young siblings dead and over a dozen others injured.
The heartbreaking incident unfolded around 3 p.m. at the Swan Boat Club.
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According to a press release from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, the driver, identified as a 66-year-old female whose name has not been released, careened into the building, where the celebration was in full swing.
Among the victims were an 8-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother, both siblings who were attending the birthday party. Tragically, they succumbed to their injuries at the scene. The devastating loss of innocent lives has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community.
In addition to the fatalities, more than a dozen other individuals sustained injuries of varying degrees and were rushed to several area hospitals for treatment.
The driver, suspected of operating the vehicle while intoxicated, was promptly taken into police custody and is currently being held at the Monroe County Jail. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash and are expected to pursue appropriate legal action.
The aftermath of the tragedy was a scene of anguish and despair, with ambulances and a survival flight helicopter deployed to the area to transport the injured. Visibly distressed family members and onlookers gathered near the boat club, grappling with the unfathomable loss and praying for the swift recovery of those injured.
State Rep. Jamie Thompson, whose district includes the scene of the Swan Boat Club, released this statement to Michigan News Source exclusively:
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Dear residents of our community,
It is with a heavy heart that we address the tragic events that unfolded today in Berlin Township. At 8:30 pm this evening, on April 20th, it was confirmed that approximately 15 individuals sustained serious injuries in a devastating incident where a drunk driver collided with the Swan Boat Club. Regrettably, during a child’s birthday celebration, an 8-year-old girl and her 5-year-old brother tragically lost their lives at the scene.
As we await further updates on the condition of all the victims involved, we humbly request the citizens of Michigan to keep these affected families in their thoughts and prayers. The impact of this incident has irrevocably altered the lives of many, and we stand in solidarity with those who are enduring this profound loss.
We commend the swift and exceptional response of our first responders who handled the situation with utmost professionalism and dedication. Their efforts in the face of adversity have not gone unnoticed, and we acknowledge the sacrifices they have made in service to our community.
As we navigate through this difficult time, we pledge to support and comfort the families affected by this tragedy. We will remain united as a community, offering solace and assistance wherever it is needed.
Sincerely,
Representative Jamie Thompson
Michigan House of Representatives, District 28
This is a developing story. We will provide updates as they become available.
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