Monroe County crash: Chilling video shows moment drunk driver plows into birthday party killing two kids
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
BERLIN TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN: A distressing video captured the moments just before an intoxicated driver plowed through the Swan Boat Club in Michigan on Saturday, April 20, resulting in the deaths of two children, Zayn, Alanah Phillips and injuries to over a dozen others.
The collision occurred around 3 pm on Saturday afternoon in the Charter Township of Berlin.
Surveillance footage depicts the parking lot adjacent to the boat club shortly before the tragic incident unfolded.
:rotating_light:#BREAKING: A drunk driver plows through a building as it was hosting a child's birthday party, resulting in fatalities and serious, life-threatening injuries
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) April 21, 2024
:pushpin:#MonroeCounty | #Michigan
Multiple law enforcement and emergency personnel, along with medical helicopters, are… pic.twitter.com/rzTDDw5yLB
Following the deadly crash, the suspect, a 66-year-old woman Marshella Chidester, was apprehended and transported to Monroe County Jail.
What did police report amid Michigan crash?
As reported by Fox News, the driver can be observed speeding towards the building, causing dust to billow from under the car's tires, before crashing into the boat club.
Police stated that the car plummeted 25 feet into the building, with the impact occurring just off-camera.
Following the collision, individuals are seen fleeing into the parking lot.
Authorities noted that a young child's birthday party was underway at the time of the incident.
Two siblings, a 5-year-old boy Zayn and an 8-year-old girl, Alanah Philips were declared deceased at the scene.
Additionally, at least 15 individuals sustained injuries, nine of which were classified as life-threatening.
Six adults and three children were swiftly transported to nearby hospitals.
During a press conference on Saturday night, Monroe County Sheriff Troy Goodnough struggled to contain his emotions as he recounted the harrowing scene.
He recounted the tragic incident, "The scene was just described by the first responders as extremely chaotic, with high level of emotions of those directly involved and those who witnessed this horrific incident,"
Mariah, the mother of the victims, along with her eldest son, Jayden, remain in critical condition at a nearby hospital, as stated in a GoFundMe page established by Mariah's sister.
A GoFundMe campaign has been initiated to assist the family, notably the two children. With 3.7k donations, the fundraiser has exceeded its initial goal of $200K, amassing over $216K in contributions
What did witnesses report?
Witnesses reported that approximately 70 individuals were present at the party.
A security camera positioned at a nearby residence captured the vehicle speeding across the parking lot before colliding with the Swan Boat Club. The car came to a halt approximately 25 feet inside the establishment.
Zayn was reportedly trapped beneath the vehicle as per Fox2Detroit.
On Monday, cars continuously arrived at the crash site, leaving tributes such as flowers, stuffed animals, and balloons in memory of the victims.
Kaye Ross, a resident of Southgate, expressed, "It just touched our hearts, so we wanted to come drop off a stuffed animal and say a prayer for the families,."
Community members are still grappling with shock as they attempt to comprehend the tragedy.
Neighbor Scott Sander stated, "I can’t even speak to how bad this is; it's unbelievable. This is a small community. I know everyone involved, and this is tragic all the way around"
The suspect is being detained on charges of driving while intoxicated, leading to death. Her initial court appearance for arraignment is scheduled for Tuesday.
A GoFundMe campaign was initiated on Monday to support Lia, one of the victims who sustained serious injuries.
According to Lia's father, she was attending her 3-year-old cousin's birthday celebration.
The driver resided just a short distance from the Swan Boat Club. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office revealed that she had been at a local bar before the collision.
An attorney representing Verna's Tavern, where the driver had reportedly been drinking, is currently under investigation by the police. The tavern issued a statement "We are saddened beyond words by the news of this horrible tragedy. Our most sincere thoughts and prayers go out to all those that lost their lives, their family members, witnesses and all of our community that is in pain due to this incident. We ask for patience during the investigation and that the justice system be allowed to work to uncover the actual facts surrounding the accident."
