What began as an ordinary Sunday morning in rural Adams County, Indiana, turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak after a Jeep collided with an Amish horse-drawn buggy carrying nine people. The crash, which occurred eastbound along State Road 218 near Berne, has shaken the close-knit Amish community and sparked renewed discussions about roadway safety in areas where modern and traditional modes of transport intersect.
A Quiet Morning Turns Tragic
Witnesses described a peaceful morning disrupted by the sudden screech of tires and a thunderous impact. The buggy, a familiar sight along the scenic stretch of SR 218, was traveling east when it was struck from behind by a Jeep driven by 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka of Burlington, Kentucky. The impact was so forceful that debris was scattered across the two-lane road, and the buggy was nearly torn apart.
Inside were nine passengers — a family of Amish residents from the Berne area, including several young children. Authorities later confirmed that seven individuals sustained injuries, six of whom were minors.
The buggy’s driver, 32-year-old Ruben L. M. Schwartz, suffered severe injuries and was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne for emergency treatment. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Joseph L. M. Schwartz and five children were transported by ambulance to Parkview Hospital. Two additional passengers — 32-year-old Saraetta L. Schwartz and a 2-year-old child — declined medical treatment at the scene, though they were visibly shaken.
The Immediate Response
First responders from across Adams, Wells, and Jay counties arrived within minutes. According to Sheriff Dan Mawhorr, the scene was “chaotic but remarkably well-coordinated,” as multiple agencies worked to provide aid, comfort, and traffic control in the aftermath of the collision.
Responding units included Adams County EMS, the Berne and Geneva Police Departments, the Berne Fire Department, Indiana State Police, and the Lutheran Hospital Flight Team, which performed the medical airlift. For rural departments accustomed to quiet weekends, the sight was nothing short of devastating.
“It was a tough scene,” one volunteer firefighter later shared. “You never want to see children involved in something like this, especially members of our Amish community who are just going about their day.”
The road was closed for several hours as investigators documented the crash, cleared wreckage, and ensured the injured were stabilized and transported safely. A line of horse-drawn buggies from nearby farms could be seen quietly gathering at a distance — friends, relatives, and fellow church members waiting for updates.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have confirmed that no charges have been filed at this stage, though the investigation remains active. Sheriff Mawhorr stated that Ocilka, the driver of the Jeep, was taken to the hospital for a legal blood draw as part of standard procedure in serious traffic incidents. He reportedly declined other medical treatment at the scene.
“Our top priority right now is determining exactly what happened,” Mawhorr said. “We’re reconstructing the events, reviewing vehicle data, and interviewing witnesses. The goal is to ensure justice and transparency for everyone involved.”
Early reports suggest that visibility and speed may have been factors. The collision occurred in broad daylight along a stretch of highway known for its combination of fast-moving vehicles and slow-moving horse-drawn traffic. Residents say the mixture has long been a safety concern.
A History of Dangerous Roads
State Road 218, which passes through the heart of Adams County’s Amish settlement, has seen several similar incidents over the years. The road’s narrow shoulders, rolling terrain, and limited signage have made it a hazardous route for horse-drawn buggies.
Local officials have previously discussed the need for expanded buggy lanes, reflective signage, and better lighting to protect both Amish and non-Amish travelers. However, funding and infrastructure constraints have delayed those upgrades.
“We’ve raised these concerns many times,” said a nearby resident. “It’s not about assigning blame. It’s about making sure our roads are safe for everyone — whether you drive a car or a buggy.”
The Amish community, known for its peaceful and private lifestyle, relies on traditional transportation as an expression of faith and simplicity. This often places them on rural highways alongside modern vehicles traveling at speeds far beyond what horse-drawn buggies can safely accommodate.
The Community Reaction
As word of the crash spread, local churches, neighbors, and volunteers mobilized to support the Schwartz family. Meals were prepared, donations collected, and prayer circles held throughout the evening.
The Berne Mennonite Fellowship and other area congregations coordinated with hospitals to ensure that family members could remain nearby during treatment. Amish families are known for their deep sense of solidarity, and this tragedy has only strengthened that bond.
“We may live differently,” said one elder, “but when one of us suffers, we all feel it. Our hearts are with the Schwartz family.”
Social media lit up with messages of sympathy from residents of both Amish and English (non-Amish) communities. Many expressed frustration that despite repeated accidents, little has changed in terms of safety infrastructure for buggies.
A Growing Concern Across Indiana
Sadly, this tragedy is not an isolated case. Across Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, where Amish populations are concentrated, buggy-involved accidents have been on the rise. According to state data, Indiana records dozens of such collisions each year, with outcomes ranging from minor injuries to fatalities.
Several factors contribute to these incidents:
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Speed differences between vehicles and buggies.
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Limited visibility — especially during early morning or evening hours.
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Distracted driving by motorists unfamiliar with sharing the road with horses.
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Inadequate lighting or signage on rural roads.
Transportation experts have called for greater awareness campaigns, suggesting that modern drivers often underestimate how quickly they approach a buggy or how much space is needed to pass safely.
Voices from the Scene
While the official report is still pending, witnesses have begun to describe what they saw that morning.
One resident who lives near the crash site told local reporters that the buggy was “just past the curve” when the Jeep came up behind it at highway speed. “It didn’t look like he even had time to brake,” she said. “It all happened in an instant.”
A first responder who arrived moments later described the harrowing aftermath:
“The horse was down, the buggy was splintered, and there were children crying. We just did everything we could as fast as we could.”
Despite the trauma, responders praised the calm cooperation of the Amish community members who arrived at the scene. Many helped direct traffic, assist paramedics, and comfort the injured until professional aid arrived.
Legal Process and Accountability
Once the investigation concludes, prosecutors will determine whether criminal or traffic charges will be filed against Ocilka. Such cases often hinge on evidence of negligence, distraction, or impairment.
Under Indiana law, vehicular negligence resulting in serious bodily injury can carry significant penalties — especially when vulnerable road users like pedestrians, cyclists, or buggy occupants are involved.
However, officials caution against premature judgment. “We’re still analyzing all the evidence,” said Sheriff Mawhorr. “It’s important that we follow every step correctly.”
Healing and Recovery
As of the latest update, Ruben L. M. Schwartz remains hospitalized in stable condition after undergoing surgery for multiple injuries. His son, Joseph, and the five children transported to Parkview are also being treated for various fractures and lacerations.
Doctors have expressed cautious optimism, saying that all are expected to recover physically, though emotional healing will take longer.
Friends of the family have organized a fundraiser to assist with medical costs and travel expenses. Local businesses in Berne have also contributed donations and meals for the family during their recovery.
“It’s in moments like this that you see what community really means,” said one local shop owner. “Everyone is stepping up — Amish, Mennonite, English — it doesn’t matter. We’re all family here.”
A Call for Change
The crash has reignited calls for state and local officials to revisit rural road safety policies. Advocates are pushing for:
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More reflective road signs warning of horse-drawn vehicles.
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Dedicated buggy lanes or wider shoulders where possible.
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Stronger public education campaigns for motorists.
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Nighttime visibility programs to distribute reflective tape and lighting for buggies.
In 2022, the Indiana Department of Transportation began pilot programs to improve rural safety signage in several counties. Advocates hope that Adams County will be prioritized in upcoming phases.
Faith, Forgiveness, and the Road Ahead
For the Amish, forgiveness is a deeply held value. While anger and grief run high, community members have already spoken about praying for everyone involved — including the Jeep’s driver.
“The Lord teaches us compassion,” said one family friend. “We cannot carry hate. We pray for healing for all.”
This faith-driven response, though difficult for outsiders to understand, reflects the Amish belief in peace and reconciliation, even amid suffering.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Awareness and Humanity
As investigators continue their work, the story of the Schwartz family stands as both a tragedy and a warning. The quiet roads of Indiana’s Amish country can turn deadly in an instant when caution fades or distractions take hold.
But it is also a story of resilience, unity, and hope — of a community that comes together in its darkest hour, of strangers who rush to help, and of families that continue to believe in grace even when tragedy strikes.
The road to recovery will be long, both for the injured and for the broader community. Yet amid the heartbreak, there is determination — a shared belief that change is possible, and that future tragedies can be prevented through awareness, compassion, and respect.
“Every accident like this teaches us something,” said Sheriff Mawhorr. “And our duty is to make sure we listen — and act — before it happens again.”