Siblings, 5 and 8, killed as 'drunk-driver' plowed into birthday party (2024)

Two young siblings aged five and eight, who were killed after a drunk driver smashed into the children's birthday party they were attending, have been pictured.

Lana, eight, and Zayn, five, both died in the wreck atthe Swan Creek Boat Club in Berlin Township inMichigan, while their mother, Mariah and elder brother, Jayden, are fighting for their lives.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover funeral expenses for the children.

'My sister and her family have lost their two babies to a drunk driver in Monroe, MI. Mom Mariah and oldest brother Jayden are still in critical condition at this time. Monies raised will help give Lana age 8 and Zayn age 5 a proper funeral and burial service,' Mariah's sister, Diane Harrington wrote.

'Left over monies will help the family with housing and medical expenses. Thank you for your support during this time.'

Lana, eight, and Zayn, five (seen together center) both died in the wreck, while their mother, Mariah (right), and elder brother, Jayden (left), are fighting for their lives

Lana and Zayn are seen alongside their older brother Jayden in an earlier family photograph

Flowers were left at the scene on Sunday, where a driver smashed through a wall at the Swan Boat Club during a child's birthday party the day before

An additional 15 people, including eight other children, were also badly injured on Saturday afternoon.

Horrific images captured the aftermath as scattered balloons and party cups lay amongst rubble.

The Swan Creek Boat Club, where the tragic crash happened posted a statement to Facebook: 'Yesterday during this tragic event the lives of two young children Lana and Zayn were lost. Our deepest sympathy goes out to this family and everyone else that was involved. That family has asked us to post their go fund me to help with the funeral arrangements for the two children. Please help if you can.'

An unidentified 66-year-old female suspect was arrested aftershocking footage captured her car flying more than 25 feet into the building hosting the children's party.

The driver was arrested at the scene under suspicion of operating a vehicle under the influence causing death, and officials said they anticipate bringing further charges.

Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough grew visibly emotional at a press conference.

Surveillance footage showed the suspected drunk driver swerving erratically before crashing into a boat club hosting the children's party, which injured or killed a total of 15

The horror unfolded Saturday around 3pm in Berlin Township, Michigan, as officials said the vehicle flew over 25 feet into the Swan Boat Club where the party was being held

Officials described the horror scenes as 'extremely chaotic', as the young siblings were pronounced dead while helicopters and ambulances took survivors to hospital

Authorities respond to the Swan Creek Boat Club after a driver crashed a vehicle through a building where a children's birthday party was taking place

The Swan Creek Boat Club in Berlin Township, where two children were killed and multiple other people were injured on Saturday afternoon

The Sheriff's Office explained how when the woman slammed her vehicle into the building, she travelled a further 25 feet inside because of her speed.

A huge first responder presence raced to the scene just after 3pm, where Goodnough said it was 'extremely chaotic' with 'high level of emotions.'

One child was reportedly pinned under the vehicle as it flew through the building, while the brother and sister who lost their lives were tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Helicopters and ambulances took nine victims to nearby hospitals, who were listed as being in life-threatening condition.

Further victims were also taken to hospital in cars, Goodnough said.

A total of 15 adults and children were killed or injured in the horror scenes

Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough grew visibly emotional at a press conference as he confirmed that the victims,an eight-year-old girl and five-year-old boy, were siblings

Helicopters were used to transport victims to nearby hospitals, with nine of the 13 surviving victims left in life-threatening condition

The sheriff said authorities were declining to identify the 66-year-old female suspect.

'Additional criminal charges while likely be brought against the driver as the investigation proceeds,' Goodnough added. Officials said she was cooperating with investigators.

It is believed by investigators the driver had been at a bar around five miles from the boat club before the crash, which police closed down on Saturday afternoon following the wreck.

Officials said they intend to execute a search warrant on the tavern as part of the investigation into how the tragedy unfolded.

Siblings, 5 and 8, killed as 'drunk-driver' plowed into birthday party (2024)
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