What began as a quiet night in the small Amish community of Berne, Indiana, turned into a scene of heartbreak and chaos when a Jeep collided with a horse-drawn buggy on State Road 218. Around 11:20 p.m., emergency crews rushed to the site where shattered wood, scattered belongings, and flashing red lights filled the dark country road. The buggy, carrying a local Amish family of nine, was hit from behind by the Jeep, throwing nearly everyone from the vehicle. Witnesses described the crash as one of the most severe the community has seen in years.
Authorities say seven people from the buggy were injured in the collision, including several children. The buggy’s driver, 32-year-old Ruben L.M. Schwartz, suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital, while Joseph L.M. Schwartz, 20, and five juvenile passengers were taken by ambulance to Parkview Hospital for treatment. Two others — Saraetta L. Schwartz, 32, and a 2-year-old child — declined medical help at the scene but remained shaken. For many in the tight-knit Amish settlement, the news spread quickly, leaving the community praying for the family’s recovery.
Investigators say the Jeep, driven by 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka of Burlington, Kentucky, was traveling east on SR 218 when it struck the slow-moving buggy. Ocilka was taken for a legal blood draw but declined further medical attention. As of now, no charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing. Sheriff Dan Mawhorr confirmed that multiple agencies — including Indiana State Police, Adams County EMS, and the Berne Fire Department — responded to the crash, describing the scene as “chaotic but coordinated.”
This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the risks Amish families face when sharing modern roads with motor vehicles, especially after dark. Local officials continue to urge drivers to slow down, be cautious, and look out for horse-drawn buggies marked with reflectors or lanterns. As the Schwartz family begins their long road to recovery, nearby residents and churches are expected to come together to offer support, prayers, and aid during this difficult time.
