Two young children, a brother and sister, who were killed when a suspected drink-driver smashed into a boat club during a birthday party have been named and pictured for the first time.
Eight-year-old Lana and five-year-old Zayn were killed in the crash at the Swan Creek Boat Club in Berlin Township, Monroe County, Michigan, just north of Toledo, Ohio. Their older brother Jayden and mum Mariah are still fighting for their lives in hospital in a critical condition.
A further 15 people were injured in the horror crash which happened on Saturday. The kids' aunt, Diane, has launched a fundraiser for the family to help cover Lana and Zayn's funeral costs.
Click here to see the pictures.
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Their mum Mariah and 12-year-old brother are still fighting for their lives in hospital (GoFundMe)"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.
"Left over monies will help the family with housing and medical expenses. Thank you for your support during this time. Service date and location to be announced."
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office confirmed that out of the 15 people injured in the crash, at least eight were children. The driver was reportedly taken into custody and identified as a 66-year-old woman, according to Berlin Township Clerk Denise Sovey Meyer. She added the woman was reportedly intoxicated at the time of the crash.
The driver smashed into the boat club during a kids' birthday party (Monroe County Reporters)The horrifying incident took place at approximately 3pm EDT on Saturday, and the victims were reportedly taken to several local hospitals for treatment, the Sheriff's Office revealed. When the woman slammed her vehicle into the facility, she reportedly landed about 25 feet (7.6 metres) inside because of how fast she was going, barreling through the wall of the facility, Sheriff Troy Goodnough said during a press conference later in the evening.
He revealed that nine of the 15 others who were injured were in life-threatening condition, flown to hospitals via life lifts, while the others were driven in cars. Three of them were children, while the other six were adults. A harrowing video from a security camera in the area shows the dark-coloured SUV driving at a high rate of speed toward the facility, eventually crashing into the wall as a cloud of dust and debris can be seen spraying out of the building, which is just beyond the frame
The incident happened at the Swan Creek Boat Club in Berlin Township (AP)So far more than 860 people have donated to the cause. In total, just over $52,000 (£42,000) has been raised - more than half of the organizer's $100,000 (£80,900) target.
The Swan Creek Boat Club, where the tragic accident happened, said: "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."
Local funeral home Rupp Family Home sent their condolences to the family and offered their services "free of charge", according to one of their posts on social media.
Mariah's cousin Chris Daugherty posted on Facebook : "This is my cousin and her children. Her and her 12-year-old are still fighting in separate hospitals. Any help is appreciated, if you're not in a spot to donate all prayers are welcome."
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