Amish Buggy Involved in Collision with Jeep Near Berne; Several Family Members Hurt

A peaceful October night in rural Indiana turned into a serious emergency in seconds when a Jeep collided with a horse-drawn Amish buggy on State Road 218 near Berne. What began as a quiet ride home quickly became a scene filled with flashing lights, scattered debris, and urgent medical response.

The crash happened just after 11:20 p.m. on October 7. The buggy, carrying nine people, was torn apart by the impact. Seven of the passengers were injured, including six children. The buggy driver, 32-year-old Ruben L. M. Schwartz, suffered the most severe injuries and was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital for urgent care. 20-year-old Joseph L. M. Schwartz and five children were taken to Parkview Hospital. Two passengers — 32-year-old Saraetta L. Schwartz and a 2-year-old child — declined medical treatment at the scene, shaken but stable.

According to Adams County Sheriff Dan Mawhorr, the Jeep was driven by 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka of Kentucky. He was traveling eastbound when he struck the buggy from behind. Because buggies travel at much slower speeds and use limited lighting, they can be difficult to see on rural highways at night. Ocilka was taken for a mandatory legal blood draw and declined further medical treatment. As of the initial reports, no charges had been filed while the investigation continues.

Within minutes, the quiet road transformed into a coordinated emergency zone. Agencies from across the region — Adams County EMS, Indiana State Police, local fire departments, and a helicopter flight team — worked together to treat injuries, calm frightened passengers, and safely clear the roadway. First responders described the scene as overwhelming, with debris scattered across the pavement and families trying to understand what had just happened.

Photos released afterward show the extent of the damage: a buggy splintered apart, wheels displaced, and personal items strewn across the road. For the Swiss-Amish community in Adams County, roads like State Road 218 are part of everyday life. A crash like this affects not just one family but an entire network of relatives, neighbors, and church members who support each other closely.

Late-night buggy travel is a known risk in areas where modern vehicles share the road with horse-drawn transportation. Safety experts consistently urge drivers to slow down, give extra space, and be prepared for significant speed differences — especially at night. Reflectors and lanterns help, but they cannot replace attentiveness behind the wheel.

This crash underscores just how vulnerable horse-drawn vehicles are in a fast-moving world. A single misjudgment or moment of inattention can immediately place families in danger. The Amish community accepts these risks as part of their lifestyle, but every collision sends shockwaves through the people who rely on these roads daily.

In the aftermath, neighbors and community members began offering support in the way Amish families have relied on for generations — meals, childcare help, chores, and emotional comfort. The Schwartzes will not face this hardship alone; their community is already surrounding them with quiet, steady assistance.

Authorities continue piecing together the details. Crash reconstruction, interviews, and test results take time, and officials have emphasized that updates will be released once the investigation progresses.

For residents in the area, the message from law enforcement is simple and urgent: slow down. Buggies will always share these roads, and their pace is not something drivers can control — but drivers can control their speed, their attention, and their patience. A moment of caution can prevent unimaginable consequences.

The road ahead for the Schwartz family will be challenging. Physical recovery, emotional healing, and rebuilding a sense of safety all take time. But both the Amish and non-Amish communities around them are already stepping up, showing that compassion often becomes strongest in moments of crisis.

The investigation remains ongoing, but the takeaway remains unchanged: when you share the road with buggies, give space, stay alert, and drive with care. Lives depend on it.

What are your thoughts on buggy safety in rural communities? Share your perspective and keep the conversation going.