Jeep plows into Amish buggy near B
The Crash
A late-night collision on October 7 turned a quiet stretch of State Road 218 near Berne,
Indiana, into an emergency scene when a Jeep struck a horse-drawn Amish buggy, scattering debris across the road.
The buggy, carrying nine people, was hit from behind around 11:20 p.m.
Victims and Response
Seven people from the buggy were hospitalized, including driver Ruben L.M. Schwartz, 32, who was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital.
“Six of the occupants were juveniles,” officials said. Two passengers, including a 2-year-old, declined treatment.
The Jeep’s driver, Bradley J. Ocilka, 33, was taken for a legal blood draw but refused medical care.
Investigation
Sheriff Dan Mawhorr confirmed, “The Jeep struck the buggy from behind while traveling eastbound on SR 218.”
The crash remains under investigation, and no charges have been filed.
Community Impact
Authorities urge drivers to “slow down and give buggies plenty of space.” The close-knit Amish community is rallying to support the injured family.
