BERNE, Indiana — What began as a quiet late autumn night along a rural Indiana highway quickly turned into a large-scale emergency response after a vehicle collided with a horse-drawn Amish buggy, injuring several people and leaving a close-knit community shaken.
Shortly after 11:20 p.m. on October 7, emergency dispatchers received reports of a serious crash on State Road 218 in Adams County. Responding deputies, firefighters, and medical crews arrived to find a chaotic and distressing scene: a heavily damaged Amish buggy scattered across the roadway and a Jeep that had come to rest in a nearby ditch.
The collision involved a buggy carrying nine occupants and a Jeep traveling eastbound along the state highway. According to early reports from local officials, seven people riding in the buggy sustained injuries serious enough to require medical evaluation at area hospitals. Several emergency agencies worked through the night to treat the injured, manage traffic, and begin the investigation into how the crash occurred.
Emergency Crews Confront a Challenging Scene
First responders described the scene as demanding and emotionally intense. The buggy had been struck from behind, causing significant damage and throwing most occupants from the vehicle. Pieces of the buggy were strewn across the roadway, requiring responders to work carefully to both treat victims and secure the area.
Given the number of injured individuals and the rural location, multiple ambulances and support units were dispatched. Law enforcement temporarily closed portions of State Road 218 while emergency crews attended to patients and investigators began documenting evidence.
Agencies assisting at the scene included Adams County Emergency Medical Services, the Berne and Geneva Police Departments, the Berne Fire Department, Wells County EMS, Jay County EMS, Indiana State Police, and the Lutheran Hospital Flight Team. Coordination among these groups was critical in ensuring prompt medical care and maintaining safety along the roadway.
Buggy Occupants and Medical Response
Officials confirmed that the horse-drawn buggy was transporting nine individuals at the time of the crash. Seven of those occupants were injured and transported for medical treatment. Reports indicate that six of the injured passengers were juveniles, though officials noted that age details varied slightly across initial accounts.
The buggy’s driver, identified as 32-year-old Ruben L.M. Schwartz of Berne, suffered injuries that required air transport. He was flown by medical helicopter to Lutheran Hospital for further evaluation and treatment.
Another adult passenger, 20-year-old Joseph L.M. Schwartz, along with five juvenile occupants, was taken by ambulance to Parkview Hospital. Two additional passengers — a 32-year-old woman and a 2-year-old child — were evaluated at the scene but declined transport to a hospital.
Authorities did not immediately release details regarding the severity of injuries, citing privacy concerns and the ongoing nature of medical care.
Driver of the Jeep Identified
The Jeep involved in the crash was driven by 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka of Burlington, Kentucky, according to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Dan Mawhorr stated that preliminary findings suggest the Jeep struck the buggy from behind while traveling eastbound on State Road 218.
Ocilka was transported to a hospital for a legal blood draw, which is standard procedure in serious crashes. He declined further medical treatment at the scene.
As of the latest update, authorities confirmed that no criminal charges had been filed. The investigation remains active as officials review evidence, analyze vehicle data, and conduct witness interviews.
Investigation Continues
Law enforcement officials emphasized that crashes involving horse-drawn vehicles require careful and thorough investigation. Factors such as visibility, speed, lighting conditions, roadway design, and driver attentiveness are all considered when determining the cause of such incidents.
Indiana State Police assisted local deputies with crash reconstruction and documentation. Investigators are examining skid marks, vehicle damage, and roadway conditions to better understand how the collision occurred.
Sheriff Mawhorr stated that additional information would be released once investigators complete their review and confirm findings. Until then, officials urged the public to avoid speculation.
A Community Deeply Affected
The crash has had a profound emotional impact on the Amish community in Adams County, which is home to one of Indiana’s largest Swiss-Amish settlements. Families in these communities often share close ties, and incidents involving serious injury can ripple through neighborhoods quickly.
Local residents and community leaders expressed concern for those injured and their families. While Amish families often rely on private support networks rather than public fundraising, neighbors and local churches frequently come together to provide meals, transportation, and other forms of assistance during recovery periods.
Community members also asked for privacy for the family as they focus on healing and supporting one another.
Horse-Drawn Vehicles and Modern Roadways
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by horse-drawn vehicles traveling alongside modern motor traffic. In many rural areas of Indiana and neighboring states, Amish buggies regularly share roads with cars, trucks, and farm equipment.
While buggies are legally permitted on public roadways, they move significantly slower than motor vehicles and rely on reflective materials and lanterns for visibility — especially after dark.
Safety experts consistently remind motorists to remain alert, reduce speed, and allow extra space when approaching or passing horse-drawn vehicles. Rear-end collisions, particularly at night, remain one of the most common and dangerous types of crashes involving buggies.
Nighttime Driving Risks in Rural Areas
Driving at night on rural highways presents unique risks for all motorists. Reduced lighting, limited shoulder space, and fewer visual cues can make it harder to detect slow-moving vehicles in time to react.
In areas with Amish populations, drivers are urged to watch carefully for reflective triangles, side tape, and lanterns on buggies. Even with these safety features, visibility can still be affected by weather conditions, road curvature, or distractions inside a vehicle.
Law enforcement agencies across Indiana regularly conduct outreach efforts reminding drivers to slow down and remain vigilant, particularly during evening and nighttime hours.
Emergency Response Highlights Coordination
Despite the severity of the crash, officials credited the rapid and coordinated response of emergency crews with ensuring that all injured individuals received timely care.
Medical personnel worked quickly to assess patients, stabilize injuries, and determine appropriate transport options. The use of a medical helicopter allowed for faster access to advanced trauma care for the most seriously injured individual.
Firefighters assisted with scene safety and debris removal, while law enforcement managed traffic control and began investigative procedures.
No Charges Filed as Review Continues
Authorities reiterated that, as of the initial reporting period, no charges had been announced in connection with the crash. Determining fault in incidents involving multiple factors can take time, particularly when serious injuries are involved.
Investigators will continue reviewing physical evidence, medical reports, and any available witness statements before making conclusions. Toxicology results and vehicle data may also play a role in the final determination.
Officials emphasized that transparency and accuracy are priorities, and updates will be shared once confirmed information becomes available.
Community Calls for Awareness and Caution
In the wake of the crash, local leaders renewed calls for increased awareness among drivers traveling through rural areas. Simple actions — such as reducing speed, avoiding distractions, and maintaining safe following distances — can significantly reduce the risk of collisions.
Public safety advocates also encourage drivers unfamiliar with Amish regions to educate themselves about common roadway practices, including how to safely pass buggies and farm equipment.
Respecting Privacy While Offering Support
As news of the incident spread, community members expressed sympathy and concern for the injured family. Residents were reminded to respect privacy while recovery efforts continue.
Those wishing to help were encouraged to connect with local churches or community organizations familiar with Amish customs to learn appropriate ways to offer support.
Ongoing Updates Expected
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the investigation remains active. Additional details may be released as officials complete their review and medical updates become available.
For now, authorities urge patience, caution, and continued focus on roadway safety. Incidents like this serve as a sobering reminder of the shared responsibility all road users have to protect one another.
Final Note on Road Safety
Whether driving through rural Indiana or any region where slow-moving vehicles are common, motorists are encouraged to remain attentive and cautious at all times. Slowing down, watching carefully, and allowing extra space can help prevent tragedies and protect lives.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from officials.
Incidents like this one often renew broader discussions about transportation safety in rural communities. Roads such as State Road 218 serve a wide range of users, from passenger vehicles and commercial traffic to farm equipment and horse-drawn buggies. Balancing these different forms of transportation requires awareness, patience, and cooperation from everyone who travels these routes.
Transportation officials note that rural highways are frequently designed for higher-speed travel, which can create challenges when slower-moving vehicles are present. Curves, limited lighting, and narrow shoulders can further reduce reaction time, particularly after dark. In areas with established Amish populations, drivers are encouraged to expect the unexpected and to adjust their driving habits accordingly.
Some communities have explored additional safety measures, including improved signage, enhanced reflective materials on buggies, and public education campaigns aimed at reducing nighttime collisions. While no single solution can eliminate risk entirely, officials stress that even small changes in driver behavior — such as lowering speed and increasing following distance — can make a meaningful difference.
Law enforcement agencies also emphasize the importance of avoiding distractions while driving. Looking away from the road for even a few seconds can significantly increase the likelihood of missing a slow-moving vehicle ahead. Staying focused and alert remains one of the most effective ways to prevent serious crashes.
As the investigation into this incident continues, local leaders hope the outcome will reinforce a shared commitment to roadway safety. By fostering mutual understanding between motorists and non-motorized road users, communities can work toward reducing the likelihood of similar accidents in the future and ensuring safer travel for everyone who depends on rural roads.