A tragic late-night crash on October 7 shook rural Berne, Indiana, when a Jeep collided with a horse-drawn Amish buggy on State Road 218. The quiet countryside quickly turned chaotic as first responders arrived to find the buggy destroyed and the Jeep overturned in a nearby ditch.

Nine people were riding in the buggy during the collision. Seven were injured and transported for medical care, including six juveniles. The buggy’s driver, 32-year-old Ruben L.M. Schwartz, was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital with serious injuries. Another passenger, 20-year-old Joseph L.M. Schwartz, along with five minors, was taken to Parkview Hospital for evaluation. Two others—32-year-old Saraetta L. Schwartz and a 2-year-old child—declined treatment after paramedics’ assessment.

The horse involved was also severely injured, though its condition remains unclear. Emergency crews from multiple departments coordinated rescue efforts amid debris scattered across the road.

Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the crash but are examining factors like visibility, speed, and lighting. The Amish community has expressed deep sorrow, coming together in prayer and support for the affected family.

Crashes involving horse-drawn buggies and motor vehicles continue to be a serious safety concern in rural Indiana. Authorities urge drivers to remain vigilant and reduce speed in areas where buggies are common, emphasizing that even a brief lapse in attention can lead to tragic consequences.