BERNE, Indiana — A late-night crash on State Road 218 turned a quiet rural stretch into an emergency scene after a Jeep struck a horse-drawn Amish buggy, ejecting multiple passengers and sending several people to hospitals.
First responders were dispatched around 11:20 p.m. on October 7. When they arrived, they found the buggy heavily damaged and scattered across the roadway, with a Jeep in a ditch nearby.
The buggy had nine people on board at the time of the collision. Authorities say seven occupants were injured and transported for medical treatment; six were reported to be juveniles, though some accounts vary slightly on the exact ages.
The driver of the buggy, 32-year-old Ruben L.M. Schwartz of Berne, was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital. Joseph L.M. Schwartz, 20, and five juveniles were taken by ambulance to Parkview Hospital. Two passengers — Saraetta L. Schwartz, 32, and a 2-year-old — refused treatment at the scene.
Adams County Sheriff Dan Mawhorr said the Jeep, driven by 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka of Burlington, Kentucky, struck the slower-moving buggy from behind while traveling eastbound on SR 218. Ocilka was taken to the hospital for a legal blood draw but declined further medical care. No charges had been filed as of the initial report, and the investigation is ongoing.
Multiple agencies responded, including Adams County EMS, Berne and Geneva police departments, the Berne Fire Department, Wells and Jay County EMS, Indiana State Police, and Lutheran Hospital’s Flight Team. Officials described a chaotic scene as crews worked to treat the injured and secure the area.
Photos released by authorities showed the buggy torn apart across the road and emergency lights lining the rural highway. The Amish community in Adams County is tight-knit, and officials say an incident like this can deeply affect an entire family and their neighbors. Community members are expected to support those involved as recovery begins.
The crash underscores the dangers horse-drawn buggies face on modern roads. Rural safety experts stress that drivers should slow down, pass carefully, and leave plenty of space, especially at night when visibility is limited.
The investigation remains active, with officials reviewing evidence and speaking with witnesses. Further updates are expected as more details are released.
Prayers & help: the family now faces a long recovery. Local residents hoping to assist are encouraged to contact community organizations or churches about possible support efforts, while also respecting the family’s privacy.