Jeep Crashes Into Amish Buggy in Indiana, Injuring Seven

BERNE, Indiana — A late-night crash on State Road 218 turned tragic when a Jeep rear-ended a horse-drawn Amish buggy, injuring multiple people and triggering a large emergency response.

The collision occurred around 11:20 p.m. on October 7. When first responders arrived, they found the buggy heavily damaged and debris scattered across the road. A Jeep was in a nearby ditch.

The buggy was carrying nine people at the time. Seven occupants were injured and transported to hospitals. The driver, Ruben L.M. Schwartz, 32, of Berne, was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital. Joseph L.M. Schwartz, 20, and five juveniles were taken by ambulance to Parkview Hospital. Two other passengers, including Saraetta L. Schwartz, 32, and a 2-year-old child, declined treatment at the scene.

Authorities say the Jeep, driven by Bradley J. Ocilka, 33, of Burlington, Kentucky, was traveling eastbound when it struck the slower-moving buggy from behind. Ocilka was taken for a legal blood draw but declined medical treatment. As of now, no charges have been filed, and the incident remains under investigation.

The crash prompted a major response from multiple emergency units, including Adams County EMS, Berne and Geneva police, Berne Fire Department, Wells and Jay County EMS, Indiana State Police, and Lutheran Hospital’s flight team.

Officials described the scene as chaotic, with first responders working rapidly to treat the injured and secure the area.