A peaceful October night in rural Indiana turned into a serious emergency in seconds when a Jeep collided with a horse-drawn Amish buggy on State Road 218 near Berne. What began as a quiet ride home quickly became a scene filled with flashing lights, scattered debris, and urgent medical response.
The crash happened just after 11:20 p.m. on October 7. The buggy, carrying nine people, was torn apart by the impact. Seven of the passengers were injured, including six children. The buggy driver, 32-year-old Ruben L. M. Schwartz, suffered the most severe injuries and was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital for urgent care. 20-year-old Joseph L. M. Schwartz and five children were taken to Parkview Hospital. Two passengers — 32-year-old Saraetta L. Schwartz and a 2-year-old child — declined medical treatment at the scene, shaken but stable.
According to Adams County Sheriff Dan Mawhorr, the Jeep was driven by 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka of Kentucky. He was traveling eastbound when he struck the buggy from behind. Because buggies travel at much slower speeds and use limited lighting, they can be difficult to see on rural highways at night. Ocilka was taken for a mandatory legal blood draw and declined further medical treatment. As of the initial reports, no charges had been filed while the investigation continues.
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