Jeep Plows Into Amish Buggy Near Berne — Father Airlifted, Multiple Children Injured
BERNE, INDIANA — A quiet rural road was the scene of tragedy late this morning after a Jeep slammed into an Amish horse-drawn buggy, critically injuring a father and several children who were riding inside. The crash happened just minutes outside of Berne, a small community known for its close-knit Amish population and peaceful countryside.
Emergency crews responded swiftly to the chaotic scene, where mangled wood, twisted metal, and debris from the shattered buggy were scattered across the roadway. Witnesses described the impact as “deafening” and “violent,” shattering the usual calm of the area.
The Collision
According to early reports from the Adams County Sheriff’s Department, the crash occurred shortly after 10:15 a.m. on a two-lane rural highway north of town. The Amish buggy, carrying a father and several children, was traveling northbound at a steady pace when a dark-colored Jeep came up from behind at a high speed.
For reasons still under investigation, the Jeep failed to slow down or swerve in time, slamming into the back of the buggy with significant force. The impact launched pieces of the wooden carriage into the air and sent the horse bolting into a nearby field. The buggy was completely destroyed.
“The collision was severe,” Sheriff Daniel Krueger said during a press briefing. “We’re dealing with multiple injuries, including life-threatening ones.”
Immediate Chaos at the Scene
Several motorists who were driving behind the Jeep stopped and rushed to help. Witnesses say the injured family members were thrown from the buggy upon impact.
“I saw the buggy ahead, and then the Jeep just didn’t slow down,” said local resident Hannah Miller, who was one of the first on the scene. “There were children crying, the father wasn’t moving. It was horrifying.”
Emergency responders arrived within minutes, and the rural road quickly filled with ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles. First responders performed life-saving measures at the scene.
Father Airlifted, Children Taken to Hospital
The father, whose name has not yet been released pending family notification, suffered critical injuries. He was airlifted by medical helicopter to Parkview Regional Medical Center in Fort Wayne for emergency treatment.
Multiple children were also seriously hurt. At least three were transported by ambulance to Adams Memorial Hospital, while another child was transferred to a trauma center due to the severity of their injuries.
“The injuries range from broken bones to internal trauma,” said EMS director Julia Conrad. “Our crews worked as fast as possible to stabilize everyone.”
The horse pulling the buggy survived but was badly injured and taken to a local veterinarian for emergency care.
Driver Detained for Questioning
The driver of the Jeep, a man in his mid-30s, remained at the scene and was cooperative with law enforcement. Preliminary statements suggest he may not have seen the buggy in time, but investigators are examining whether distraction, speeding, or impairment may have been factors.
Deputies conducted a field sobriety test on the driver as part of standard procedure. The vehicle has been impounded as evidence.
“No arrests have been made at this point,” Sheriff Krueger stated. “But we’re conducting a thorough investigation, including speed analysis, phone records, and witness interviews.”
A Community in Shock
The Amish community near Berne is known for its close ties, simple living, and reliance on horse-drawn transportation. News of the accident spread quickly through word of mouth, with community members gathering to pray and support the injured family.
“Everyone here knows everyone,” said local store owner Samuel Graber. “We’ve shared meals, we’ve shared work. This is not just a news story to us — it’s our neighbors, our friends.”
The Amish do not use motor vehicles for personal transportation, and buggy travel is common on the area’s narrow country roads. While accidents are not unheard of, the severity of this crash has left residents shaken.
A History of Roadway Dangers
Officials noted that this stretch of highway has seen several buggy-related accidents in recent years. Because buggies move at slower speeds than modern vehicles, rear-end collisions are among the most common types of accidents involving the Amish.
“People forget how quickly a car can close the distance,” said Trooper Caleb Jenkins of the Indiana State Police. “A buggy may be moving at 10 to 15 miles per hour, while a vehicle could be traveling at 55 or 60. That’s a recipe for disaster if you’re not paying attention.”
There are already road signs posted warning drivers to share the road with horse-drawn vehicles, but advocates say more needs to be done. Some have pushed for rumble strips, flashing lights, or speed limit reductions in buggy-heavy areas.
Investigators Reconstructing the Crash
Crash reconstruction specialists spent several hours at the scene, measuring skid marks, documenting debris, and analyzing the final positions of the vehicle and buggy. Drones were also deployed to capture aerial images of the accident site.
“Every second counts in reconstructing what happened,” said Sgt. Dana Lutz, a traffic investigator. “We need to know how fast the Jeep was traveling, whether the driver braked, and whether visibility played a role.”
The stretch of road where the collision occurred is straight and flat, with good visibility, making questions about why the crash happened even more pressing.
Wider Road Safety Concerns
This incident has renewed discussions about road safety in rural communities where modern vehicles and traditional Amish transportation share space. While most drivers are cautious, even a brief moment of distraction can have devastating consequences.
“People need to remember: these buggies don’t have airbags, they don’t have seatbelts, they don’t have steel frames,” said Sheriff Krueger. “They’re extremely vulnerable in a collision.”
Officials are urging drivers to slow down when they see buggies, give them plenty of space, and avoid distractions like texting or eating behind the wheel.
Vigils and Support Efforts Begin
By late afternoon, neighbors and members of the local Amish community began gathering near the crash site, leaving flowers, offering prayers, and preparing to support the injured family. The Amish community is expected to rally together in traditional fashion, offering meals, labor, and financial assistance to help the family during recovery.
A spokesperson for the hospital confirmed that the father remains in critical condition, while the children are stable but still undergoing treatment.
Local churches have announced prayer services for the family this evening. “This tragedy has shaken us deeply,” said Pastor John Herschberger. “We pray for healing, for strength, and for unity.”
Officials Reiterate Road Safety Reminders
Law enforcement is using this moment to remind all drivers that rural roads require extra caution. “These are families — children, mothers, fathers — using the roads just like you,” Sheriff Krueger emphasized. “They’re not obstacles. They’re people.”
Amish communities across the state have long asked for patience and respect from drivers. Though many buggies display reflective tape or lanterns, they remain vulnerable to fast-moving traffic.
An Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active. Authorities will release more details as they become available, including whether charges will be filed. Toxicology tests on the Jeep driver are pending.
Crash investigators are expected to submit a full report within two weeks, but for now, the priority remains the recovery of the injured family and ensuring public safety.
As dusk fell over Berne, the damaged buggy was cleared from the road. The horse, though injured, is expected to survive. The stretch of highway has reopened, but the scars of the tragedy remain visible: broken glass, wood splinters, and deep tire marks on the pavement.
Conclusion
What began as an ordinary morning on a quiet country road turned into a nightmare for one Amish family. A collision between modern speed and traditional transport has left a father fighting for his life and children recovering from serious injuries.
While investigations continue, one message is already clear: road safety is a shared responsibility. And on rural roads, a moment of inattention can change lives forever.
