A late‑night collision on October 7 turned tragic when a Jeep struck an Amish horse‑drawn buggy on State Road 218 near Berne, Indiana. The crash left the buggy shattered across the roadway and the Jeep in a ditch.

The buggy was carrying nine people—seven juveniles and two adults. The buggy’s driver, 32-year-old Ruben L.M. Schwartz, was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital. Joseph L.M. Schwartz, 20, and five children were transported via ambulance to Parkview Hospital. Two passengers, including Saraetta L. Schwartz (32) and a 2‑year‑old child, declined treatment on scene.

According to Adams County authorities, the Jeep—driven by 33‑year-old Bradley J. Ocilka of Burlington, Kentucky—rear-ended the buggy while both were traveling eastbound. Ocilka was taken in for a legal blood draw but refused further medical care. At the time of reporting, no criminal charges had been filed, and the incident remained under investigation.

Emergency responders from multiple counties converged on the scene, including EMS, fire departments, local police, and the Indiana State Police. The response was complicated by the number of victims and debris spread across the road.

In the tight-knit Amish community of Adams County, the effects of such an event are profound, especially when multiple family members are hurt. The crash underscores the risks that horse‑drawn vehicles face on modern roads and has led officials to urge motorists to exercise caution—especially at night—and to respect the vulnerable nature of these traditional conveyances.