Late on October 7, tragedy struck the quiet Amish community of Berne, Indiana, when a Jeep crashed into a horse-drawn buggy along State Road 218.
Emergency crews arrived around 11:20 p.m. to a devastating scene. The buggy was torn apart across the pavement and the Jeep was in a ditch. According to the residents, this is one of the most heartbreaking accidents the town has witnessed in years.
There were nine people in the buggy and seven of them were injured, including six children.
They were all transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The driver, 32-year-old Ruben L. M. Schwartz, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital for urgent care, according to Amish America. Two others — Saraetta L. Schwartz, 32, and a 2-year-old child — declined medical treatment at the scene but were visibly shaken.
Authorities identified the driver of the Jeep as 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka of Burlington, Kentucky, who was traveling east when he collided with the slower-moving buggy. Ocilka was taken to the hospital for a mandatory blood test but declined further care.
The investigation is ongoing and until this moment no charges have been filed. Sheriff Dan Mawhorr described the scene as “chaotic but well-coordinated,” praising the quick response of multiple agencies, including Adams County EMS, Indiana State Police, and local fire departments.
Photos from the crash show the buggy shattered across the road and emergency crews working under flashing lights. The Amish community has since come together, gathering in homes and churches to pray for the Schwartz family’s recovery. For a community built on faith and unity, the tragedy serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers Amish travelers face on modern roads shared with fast-moving vehicles.
Local officials and safety advocates urge drivers to slow down, stay alert, and give extra space when approaching horse-drawn buggies, especially at night. Amid the investigation, Berne residents remain focused on healing and supporting one another.
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