2 children killed, many people injured
BERLIN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Two young siblings were killed over the weekend when a suspected drunk driver drove through a child’s birthday party in Monroe County.
On Saturday, April 20, a boy and a girl both under the age of 10 were killed in the crash. The children’s mother and a third sibling were also seriously injured, among several others.
What happened
On Saturday afternoon, a birthday party was taking place for a young child at the Swan Boat Club in Berlin Township, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. The club is located off Lake Erie in Berlin Township.
At about 3 p.m. Saturday, a suspected drunk driver drove into the building, crashing into a wall on the building’s north side. The vehicle -- driven by a 66-year-old woman whose identity has not yet been released -- stopped about 25 feet inside the building.
Two children, a brother and a sister, were killed in the crash. The kids were identified by police as 8-year-old Alanah Phillips and her brother, 5-year-old Zayn Phillips.
A third sibling and the children’s mother were also seriously injured in the crash. They were hospitalized and were in critical condition, according to a GoFundMe started for the family.
Of the people injured Saturday, police said that nine of them -- three children and six adults -- had injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment. It’s believed that count includes the victims’ mother and brother.
Others who were injured were privately taken for medical treatment, officials said.
What we know about the driver
The 66-year-old woman who drove an apparent SUV into the boat club was believed to be drunk. Monroe County authorities say their investigation indicates she was at a nearby tavern before the crash.
Surveillance video from a home nearby shows the woman’s vehicle speeding by. You can see that footage in the video report at the top of this article.
Police said the woman was cooperating with the investigation. She was arrested for operating a vehicle while intoxicated causing death. Additional criminal charges were expected to be brought against the woman, officials said.
The driver’s identity will be made public once she is officially arraigned on any charges. Her arraignment date was expected to be decided by Tuesday, April 23.
Who was injured
Nine people were taken to the hospital on Saturday in ambulances and air ambulances, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. One person, a 42-year-old man, received medical treatment on his own, officials said.
Here is a list of the people injured and their conditions, as of 2:30 p.m. on Monday, April 22:
31-year-old woman, critical condition.
11-year-old boy, critical condition.
18-year-old woman, serious condition.
16-year-old girl, serious condition.
14-year-old boy, serious condition.
70-year-old woman, minor injuries.
66-year-old woman, minor injuries.
62-year-old woman, minor injuries.
57-year-old woman, minor injuries.
42-year-old man, minor injuries.
School district reaches out
The two children killed Saturday, and their older brother who is hospitalized, were members of the Flat Rock Community Schools district.
District Superintendent Andrew Brodie wrote a letter to families on Sunday, April 21.
“It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to you today following the tragic events that unfolded yesterday. A senseless accident occurred where a drunk driver crashed into Swan Creek Boat Club, resulting in the loss of two siblings who were students in our school (Early Childhood Center, Bobcean Elementary) and severe injuries of a third sibling (Simpson Middle School),” Brodie said, in part.
“Our entire school community is reeling from this devastating news, and our hearts ache for the families and loved ones of those affected by this unimaginable tragedy. Words cannot adequately express the depth of our sorrow, nor can they ease the pain of those who are grieving. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with every one of you during this incredibly difficult time.”
Counselors and social workers were expected to provide support at Flat Rock schools starting Monday, April 22.
GoFundMe set up for family
A fundraising campaign was started for the family of the two children who were killed, and whose mother and other sibling were seriously hurt on Saturday. The GoFundMe, which was verified by the GoFundMe platform, is seeking to raise $200,000 to help with funeral services, as well as housing and medical expenses for the family.
As of Monday afternoon, the campaign had raised more than $178,000.
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