What began as a calm autumn night in the countryside of Adams County, Indiana, quickly transformed into a heartbreaking emergency scene that has left an entire community shaken. On October 7, shortly before midnight, a serious collision occurred on State Road 218 near Berne, a small rural town known for its close-knit Amish population and quiet farmland roads.
According to local authorities, a Jeep traveling eastbound struck a horse-drawn Amish buggy carrying nine people. The impact was severe enough to scatter debris across the roadway and send several passengers from the buggy onto the pavement. By the time first responders arrived, the once-serene stretch of highway had become a flurry of flashing lights, medical crews, and emergency vehicles working urgently to save lives.
The crash happened around 11:20 p.m., and in moments, what should have been an ordinary evening turned into a scene of confusion, shock, and heartbreak — not only for those involved but for the entire Amish and English (non-Amish) community in the region.
The Collision: What Happened on State Road 218
The Adams County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the horse-drawn buggy, a traditional mode of transportation used by Amish families, was traveling east on State Road 218 when it was struck from behind by a Jeep. The vehicle, identified as a dark-colored Jeep driven by 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka of Burlington, Kentucky, reportedly collided with the slower-moving buggy at considerable speed.
Authorities believe that visibility and speed differences between the two vehicles played a significant role in the crash. Country roads like SR 218 are known for being dimly lit, and without streetlights, drivers often rely solely on their headlights. While Amish buggies typically display reflective markings or lanterns, these measures sometimes prove insufficient for fast-moving vehicles approaching from behind, especially late at night.
Upon impact, both the buggy and the horse were severely affected. The buggy itself was shattered and thrown across the road, while the Jeep veered off course and landed in a ditch.
Sheriff Dan Mawhorr stated that the driver of the Jeep, Ocilka, was taken to the hospital for a mandatory blood draw, a standard legal procedure in serious accidents. He declined additional medical treatment at the scene. As of the latest updates, no charges have been filed, and the investigation remains active as officials analyze evidence and witness statements to determine the exact cause.
The Victims: Families and Lives Changed in an Instant
The buggy was carrying nine people, most of them family members from the local Amish community. Reports indicate that seven individuals sustained injuries serious enough to require medical care.
Authorities identified the buggy’s driver as 32-year-old Ruben L. M. Schwartz of Berne, who suffered critical injuries and was airlifted by Lutheran Hospital’s Flight Team to Fort Wayne for advanced trauma care. Joseph L. M. Schwartz, age 20, along with five juvenile passengers, were transported by ambulance to Parkview Hospital.
Two other passengers — 32-year-old Saraetta L. Schwartz and a 2-year-old child — declined treatment at the scene, reportedly suffering only minor injuries or shock.
Emergency teams worked through the night, providing immediate care and ensuring all victims received attention as quickly as possible. Given the number of passengers and the remote location, coordinating the medical response required support from multiple nearby counties.
The Massive Emergency Response
Adams County officials described the crash scene as “chaotic but coordinated.” Within minutes, responders from multiple departments arrived to assist. Among those present were:
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Adams County EMS
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Berne Fire Department
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Geneva Police 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
First responders had to manage traffic, tend to injured victims, and ensure that both vehicles were safely secured. It was a challenging scene to navigate, given the late hour, darkness, and the presence of debris and frightened animals.
Witnesses who arrived shortly after the collision described the quiet tension that filled the air — the concern for the injured, the flashing red and blue lights reflecting off nearby barns and cornfields, and the collective effort of law enforcement and medics working side by side.
The Investigation: Piecing Together the Night
As the immediate chaos subsided, investigators began the difficult work of determining what led to the crash. Sheriff Mawhorr confirmed that officials are reviewing all possible contributing factors, including driver awareness, speed, lighting conditions, and buggy visibility.
Because Amish buggies lack modern safety features like reflective bumpers or brake lights, collisions with automobiles — especially at night — remain a persistent concern in rural Indiana and other parts of the Midwest.
The Sheriff’s Office also noted that a legal blood draw was administered to the Jeep’s driver, per standard procedure in serious injury crashes, though no results or charges have been made public.
Authorities have not released final conclusions about whether alcohol, distraction, or fatigue played a role. For now, investigators continue to collect physical evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the collision.
Amish Road Safety: An Ongoing Concern in Rural America
This tragic crash has reignited discussions about road safety between motorized vehicles and horse-drawn transportation — a topic that has long been sensitive in communities where modern life intersects with traditional Amish customs.
The Amish community, known for its rejection of most modern technologies, continues to rely on buggies for travel, work, and church activities. These black, horse-drawn vehicles are a common sight in Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, especially in areas like Adams and LaGrange Counties.
While many Amish families now use reflective tape, lanterns, and slow-moving vehicle triangles to improve visibility, accidents still occur — often due to reduced lighting and the significant speed difference between buggies and motor vehicles.
According to state data, Indiana averages dozens of buggy-related collisions each year, with many resulting in serious injuries. Safety advocates have urged drivers to stay alert on rural roads, especially during dawn, dusk, and late-night hours when visibility is lowest.
Local residents have also called for more signage on high-traffic rural routes and continued public education about sharing the road responsibly with horse-drawn vehicles.
The Human Side: Community Reaction and Support
In the days following the accident, the Berne community came together in support of the Schwartz family and others affected. Amish neighbors and local residents organized assistance for medical expenses, transportation, and daily needs while the injured recover.
Small towns like Berne are known for their strong sense of unity — where people often come together after tragedy, regardless of background or lifestyle. Local churches opened their doors for prayer gatherings, and residents across Adams County expressed their sympathy and concern on social media, offering thoughts and donations.
A nearby business owner, who frequently sees buggies traveling late at night, told local reporters, “We all share these roads. It’s heartbreaking every time something like this happens. The Amish are our neighbors, our friends. Everyone just wants to make sure they’re safe.”
The sense of shared grief and compassion has reminded many why small-town America remains resilient even in the face of tragedy — through empathy, cooperation, and care.
Road Safety Challenges in Amish Country
The accident has also reopened a larger conversation about transportation safety in mixed-traffic environments — where modern vehicles and traditional buggies share the same narrow roads.
Experts in rural traffic safety note that collisions like this one are often preventable. Studies have shown that when local communities improve road signage, lighting, and awareness programs, the number of accidents drops significantly.
However, challenges remain. Many rural roads lack shoulders or adequate space for vehicles to safely pass buggies. Nighttime driving is particularly hazardous, as horse-drawn carriages can be difficult to spot from a distance.
Organizations such as the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and Amish community leaders have been working together in recent years to find solutions — from adding reflective materials to buggies to introducing driver education campaigns focused on “sharing the road.”
Still, tragedies like the October 7 collision show that more work is needed.
The Importance of Awareness and Patience on Rural Roads
Traffic experts emphasize a simple but powerful message: patience and caution save lives.
Motorists traveling through Amish areas are urged to slow down, avoid sudden maneuvers, and stay alert for buggies, especially at night or on curves. Since horse-drawn carriages move at an average of 5 to 8 miles per hour, it only takes a few seconds of inattention for a fast-moving vehicle to close the distance dangerously.
In some counties, local police have even launched “Share the Road” campaigns, encouraging both Amish and non-Amish residents to increase safety visibility through cooperation and communication.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office echoed that message following the accident, reminding all drivers that mutual respect and caution are essential when navigating mixed-traffic environments.
Healing and Moving Forward
For now, the focus remains on recovery — both physical and emotional — for those injured in the crash. The Schwartz family, deeply rooted in the Berne Amish community, has received widespread support. Donations, meals, and prayers have poured in from surrounding towns and church districts.
Local hospitals have reported that some of the victims are showing signs of improvement, while others continue to receive ongoing care.
As the community waits for updates, there is also a growing call for long-term safety initiatives. Residents hope that this tragedy, while devastating, will inspire renewed efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Reflection: Lessons From a Tragic Night
The October 7 collision on State Road 218 is a painful reminder of how fragile life can be and how quickly tragedy can strike, even in the most peaceful places.
For families who travel by horse and buggy, every journey carries risk — not because of their way of life, but because of the increasing pace of the world around them. For drivers, it serves as a solemn reminder that roads are shared spaces, where awareness and compassion are just as important as speed and convenience.
In the aftermath of this crash, Adams County stands united — grieving for what was lost, grateful for those who survived, and determined to make their roads safer for everyone who travels them.
In Conclusion
The late-night collision near Berne, Indiana, has become more than just a local news story — it’s a wake-up call about safety, empathy, and the need for shared responsibility on America’s rural roads.
As investigators continue their work, one thing remains clear: communities thrive when they come together, especially in times of pain. Whether through road improvements, public awareness, or simply exercising greater patience while driving, small acts of care can prevent unimaginable tragedy.
The story of that October night — and the lives forever changed by it — will continue to serve as a reminder that safety, kindness, and awareness must guide every journey, no matter how familiar the road may seem.