Tragic Crash in Berne: Jeep Collides with Amish Buggy, Father Airlifted, Multiple Children Injured

A serene October evening in rural Indiana transformed into a nightmare in the blink of an eye when a Jeep struck a horse-drawn Amish buggy on State Road 218, just outside Berne. What should have been an ordinary ride home for one family quickly escalated into a chaotic emergency scene stretching across the darkened highway. First responders arrived shortly after 11:20 p.m. on October 7, confronting a grim scene: a shattered buggy, debris scattered across the pavement, and a Jeep crumpled into a roadside ditch.

The buggy carried nine passengers—a substantial number for a night-time journey on a rural road. Seven occupants suffered serious injuries, including six children, all requiring medical care. The driver, 32-year-old Ruben L. M. Schwartz of Berne, sustained critical injuries and was airlifted by helicopter to Lutheran Hospital. Among those transported by ambulance to Parkview Hospital were 20-year-old Joseph L. M. Schwartz and five children. Two others—32-year-old Saraetta L. Schwartz and a 2-year-old—declined treatment at the scene, shaken but physically unharmed.

According to Adams County Sheriff Dan Mawhorr, the Jeep was operated by 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka of Burlington, Kentucky. Traveling eastbound, Ocilka collided with the buggy from behind. Horse-drawn buggies move slowly, particularly at night, and even with lanterns and reflective markers, they can be difficult for motorists to see until it’s too late. Ocilka underwent a legal blood draw at the hospital but refused further medical care. As of initial reports, no charges had been filed, though investigators emphasized that the inquiry remained active.

Within minutes, emergency personnel swarmed the scene. Responders included Adams County EMS, Berne and Geneva police, the Berne Fire Department, Wells and Jay County EMS, Indiana State Police, and the Lutheran Hospital Flight Team. The rural highway became a makeshift command center as crews worked to stabilize the injured, clear wreckage, and calm the terrified horse. First responders described the scene as chaotic: twisted wood, scattered personal items, a crumpled Jeep, and frightened children and adults struggling to comprehend the sudden disaster.

Later photographs captured the full extent of the damage: the buggy splintered and broken, its wheels askew, belongings littering the road. Emergency vehicles lined the highway, their flashing lights cutting through the darkness. These roads are familiar to Adams County’s large Swiss-Amish community, who rely on them daily for school, work, worship, and family visits. A crash like this resonates far beyond the immediate household, affecting extended families, neighbors, and the broader community who share responsibilities and traditions.

Traveling by buggy at night is inherently risky. Modern drivers often misjudge a buggy’s speed or fail to allow sufficient distance. Rural roads leave little margin for error. Safety experts consistently warn motorists to slow down, anticipate sudden stops, and respect reflective lanterns or battery lights. Even so, a single moment of inattention or misjudgment can transform a routine journey into a life-altering tragedy.

The Amish community quickly rallied around the family. Meals were prepared, chores covered, children cared for, and emotional support offered quietly but steadfastly. In these close-knit communities, no family faces recovery alone.

Investigators continue to piece together the circumstances leading up to the crash through witness interviews, vehicle inspections, blood tests, and crash reconstruction. While charges were not immediately filed—a common occurrence in early investigations—updates are expected as more information emerges.

For local drivers, the message is stark: slow down, pay attention, and give horse-drawn vehicles ample space. Impatience or distraction can have catastrophic consequences. For those wishing to support the family, local churches and community groups are coordinating assistance, but privacy and respect remain paramount.

The Schwartzes now face a long road ahead. Physical injuries will heal, but emotional scars may persist. Children who experienced the terror of being thrown from a buggy at night, and adults responsible for them, will carry the trauma long after the roads are clear. Yet rural Indiana is no stranger to rallying in the face of tragedy. Neighbors and community members have already begun offering support, exemplifying the resilience and solidarity that define these towns.

As the investigation continues, authorities stress that the outcome remains uncertain. What is certain, however, is the enduring lesson from this tragic event: when sharing the road with horse-drawn vehicles, extreme caution is not optional. Lives, as the Schwartzes painfully learned, depend on it.