BERNE, Indiana — A quiet rural stretch of State Road 218 was suddenly transformed into an emergency scene of chaos and devastation on the night of October 7, when a late-night collision involving a Jeep and an Amish horse-drawn buggy led to a violent crash. The collision, which occurred just after 11:20 p.m., threw nearly everyone from the buggy and left multiple people seriously injured, sparking a massive emergency response. When first responders arrived at the scene, they found the buggy mangled and scattered across the pavement, while the Jeep lay in a ditch, having veered off the road.
At the time of the crash, the buggy was carrying nine people, all of whom were occupants of the Amish community in the area. Local officials reported that seven individuals from the buggy were injured, including six juveniles. The severity of their injuries ranged from minor to serious, and they were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. Ruben L.M. Schwartz, 32, the driver of the buggy, was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital, his condition considered critical but stable. His relative, 20-year-old Joseph L.M. Schwartz, along with five children, was taken by ambulance to Parkview Hospital for further care. Two passengers — Saraetta L. Schwartz, also 32, and a 2-year-old child — were evaluated at the scene but declined medical treatment, reportedly suffering only minor injuries.
The collision occurred when the Jeep, driven by 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka from Burlington, Kentucky, collided with the slower-moving buggy from behind. Ocilka was traveling eastbound on SR 218 when the crash happened. While he was not immediately injured, Ocilka was taken to the hospital for a blood draw, as is standard procedure following accidents of this nature. He declined further medical treatment at the scene, and at the time of the report, no formal charges had been filed, with the incident still under investigation by authorities.
A number of emergency agencies responded to the scene, including the Adams County EMS, police departments from Berne and Geneva, the Berne Fire Department, Wells and Jay County EMS, Indiana State Police, and the Flight Team from Lutheran Hospital. First responders worked tirelessly under the dim light of their emergency vehicles to provide medical aid, secure the site, and clear the debris, which was scattered across the rural highway.
Photos released by local authorities painted a grim picture of the aftermath, showing the buggy completely destroyed with its pieces spread across the road, while emergency vehicles flashed their lights on the quiet highway. The Amish community, particularly the Swiss-Amish settlement of Adams County, is known for its close-knit nature, and such a devastating accident — especially occurring at night — sends shockwaves through the community. This tragedy, though confined to one family, is felt deeply by their neighbors, friends, and everyone who knows them. Community leaders and local residents are expected to offer their full support as the family begins the difficult process of recovery.
This incident serves as a painful reminder of the hazards that horse-drawn vehicles face when sharing roads with modern, fast-moving traffic. Although Amish buggies are a common sight on rural roads, particularly in Amish-heavy counties like Adams County, they present unique challenges for both their drivers and the drivers of motor vehicles. Safety experts and local authorities have long warned drivers to exercise extra caution when passing buggies on narrow roads, especially at night when visibility is compromised. The buggy’s reflective markers and lanterns are intended to help, but passing or attempting to overtake a slow-moving buggy at night still carries significant risk. Local law enforcement and community groups frequently urge drivers to reduce their speed, give buggies plenty of space, and remain extra vigilant for sudden slowdowns or changes in traffic flow when traveling in rural areas.
In the wake of this tragic event, residents of the local community are coming together to offer prayers and support to the affected family. Friends and neighbors are organizing efforts to assist with the recovery, and many have suggested contributing to community organizations or church-led fundraisers to help the family cover medical expenses, funeral costs, and other immediate needs. However, amidst these heartfelt gestures of support, it is essential to respect the family’s need for privacy as they cope with the overwhelming loss and begin the difficult journey of healing.
As of now, the investigation into the cause of the crash continues. Authorities are reviewing evidence collected from the scene and interviewing witnesses to piece together what happened. They are also examining the condition of both vehicles involved and the road conditions at the time of the crash. While the investigation is ongoing, no official charges have been made against Ocilka. Local police and the Adams County Sheriff’s Department are working diligently to gather all the facts before determining whether any criminal charges will be filed in connection with the crash. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available, but for now, the focus remains on supporting the grieving family and ensuring that such a devastating accident can be prevented in the future.
This tragic event underscores the vulnerability of horse-drawn buggies on modern roads and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of awareness and caution when driving, especially in rural areas where traditional modes of transportation still prevail. It is a tragic story, but also a reminder of the need for compassion, understanding, and unity within our communities during times of hardship.
Prayers and Support: As the family recovers from this heartbreaking incident, many people are rallying behind them with offers of help, donations, and words of comfort. If you are local and wish to offer assistance, community groups and churches in the area are organizing ways to help the family during this incredibly difficult time. Whether it’s through financial donations or simply offering a kind word, any form of support is deeply appreciated. However, it is equally important to respect the privacy of the family as they grieve and process the loss of their loved ones. Their healing journey will take time, and the family’s emotional well-being should remain a priority as they come to terms with such a traumatic and life-altering event.