A quiet rural stretch of State Road 218 in Adams County, Indiana, was transformed into a scene of chaos late one evening in early October, when a motor vehicle collided with a horse-drawn Amish buggy. The accident sent multiple people to local hospitals and highlighted the risks horse-drawn vehicles face on modern roads, especially during nighttime hours.
The Incident
Emergency dispatchers received reports of a severe crash at approximately 11:20 p.m. on October 7. First responders arriving at the scene found a horse-drawn buggy badly damaged, its wooden frame and personal belongings scattered across the pavement. A Jeep involved in the collision had come to rest in a nearby ditch, its front end crumpled from the impact.
According to officials, the buggy had been carrying nine passengers at the time of the crash. Local authorities reported that seven occupants sustained injuries requiring medical attention. Six of those injured were juveniles, though age details varied slightly across reports. Two passengers—a 32-year-old woman and a toddler—declined treatment at the scene.
The buggy’s driver, Ruben L.M. Schwartz, 32, of Berne, Indiana, was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital for emergency care due to the severity of his injuries. Another adult, Joseph L.M. Schwartz, 20, along with five children, were transported by ambulance to Parkview Hospital. These rapid emergency responses likely prevented more severe outcomes and underscore the importance of coordinated first responder efforts in rural areas.
The Vehicle and Driver Involved
The Jeep, according to Sheriff Dan Mawhorr of Adams County, was driven by Bradley J. Ocilka, 33, from Burlington, Kentucky. Authorities said the Jeep struck the slower-moving buggy from behind while traveling eastbound along State Road 218. Mr. Ocilka was taken to a local hospital for a legal blood draw but declined further medical evaluation at the scene. As of the initial reports, no formal charges had been filed, and the crash remains under active investigation.
Response from Emergency Services
The accident drew a coordinated response from multiple agencies, including:
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Adams County EMS
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Berne and Geneva police departments
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Berne Fire Department
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Wells and Jay County EMS units
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Indiana State Police
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Lutheran Hospital’s Flight Team
Officials described the scene as hectic, with responders working simultaneously to stabilize injured individuals, manage traffic, and clear the wreckage. Emergency personnel emphasized the challenges of managing serious accidents on narrow rural roads, particularly at night, when visibility is limited.
Photographs released by authorities show the buggy fragmented across the roadway and emergency vehicles illuminating the rural highway. Scenes like this underscore the hazards of combining slower, horse-drawn traffic with modern vehicles that travel at high speeds.
The Amish Community and Local Impact
The Amish settlement in Adams County is one of the largest in Indiana, with tightly knit families who rely on horse-drawn buggies for transportation. The community is known for its close family ties and traditional way of life, which can make accidents like this particularly impactful on multiple households.
Local leaders and neighbors are expected to rally around the affected family, providing support as they recover physically, emotionally, and financially. Community members have emphasized that accidents on rural roads are especially stressful for families who may depend on a small number of vehicles and transportation resources.
The incident serves as a reminder of how a single collision can ripple across an entire rural community, affecting not only those directly involved but also neighbors and friends.
Safety Concerns for Horse-Drawn Vehicles
Horse-drawn vehicles are inherently vulnerable on modern roads. Slow-moving buggies, often traveling 10-15 mph, must coexist with faster cars and trucks, which increases the risk of collisions. Safety experts highlight several key precautions for both motorists and buggy drivers:
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Reflective Markers and Lights – Many buggies display reflective triangles and lanterns to increase visibility, especially at night. Motorists should watch for these cues.
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Give Plenty of Space – When passing a buggy, slow down and leave extra room. Avoid aggressive driving, tailgating, or sudden maneuvers.
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Use Caution in Rural Areas – Rural highways can have sharp turns, narrow lanes, and limited visibility, all of which increase risk.
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Expect Sudden Stops – Buggies may slow abruptly for animals, road conditions, or turns. Motorists must remain alert and anticipate changes in speed.
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Community Education – Local authorities often run campaigns to remind drivers to watch for slow-moving vehicles and to drive cautiously around rural communities.
The Investigation
Investigators are reviewing the scene, interviewing witnesses, and collecting evidence to determine the cause of the collision. Key areas of focus include:
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Whether speed or road conditions contributed
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Visibility of the buggy at the time of the crash
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Vehicle positioning and driver attentiveness
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Compliance with traffic safety laws
Sheriff Mawhorr emphasized that no conclusions would be made prematurely and that public updates would follow once more details became available.
Broader Implications for Rural Road Safety
This crash serves as a stark example of the challenges facing drivers and horse-drawn vehicle operators alike. While Amish communities and other rural residents have long adapted to sharing roads with modern vehicles, accidents still occur due to:
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Limited lighting on rural highways
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High speeds of motor vehicles compared to buggies
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Driver inattention or distraction
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Narrow lanes and lack of shoulders
Safety campaigns have increased in recent years, urging drivers to slow down for buggies, watch for reflective markers, and exercise patience on rural roads. Experts also recommend that buggies employ adequate lighting and, when possible, avoid travel after dark unless necessary.
Medical Response and Recovery
The injuries sustained by the buggy passengers varied from minor to serious. The airlifted driver, Ruben L.M. Schwartz, was transported for critical care evaluation. The other patients, including several juveniles, were treated for a combination of fractures, contusions, and minor trauma.
Medical professionals emphasized that rapid emergency response is crucial in rural crashes, where hospital access may be limited. The coordinated efforts of multiple agencies helped stabilize victims and ensure timely care. Recovery for those injured may take weeks or months, and emotional trauma may extend beyond physical injuries.
Community Support and Next Steps
The Amish community and local residents have a history of strong mutual support during emergencies. Following this collision, neighbors and church groups are expected to:
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Provide transportation for family members
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Assist with household needs during recovery
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Offer financial and emotional support
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Help coordinate follow-up medical care
Community leaders also stress the importance of patience and vigilance while roads are cleared and traffic resumes normal flow.
Conclusion: Lessons from a Tragic Accident
While no formal charges have been filed, and the investigation continues, this accident offers several takeaways:
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Rural drivers must remain alert for slow-moving vehicles, especially after dark.
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Horse-drawn vehicles carry unique risks, requiring reflective markers, lights, and careful maneuvering.
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Rapid emergency response saves lives, highlighting the need for local coordination among EMS, fire, and police services.
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Community support is critical, particularly for tight-knit groups where accidents affect multiple families.
Officials have stated they will continue investigating the crash and provide updates as new information becomes available. In the meantime, safety experts remind all motorists: always slow down, give space to buggies, and stay vigilant on rural roads.