The tragic incident refers to a severe late-night crash that occurred on October 7, 2025, in Adams County, Indiana. A Jeep traveling eastbound at full speed crashed into the rear of a horse-drawn buggy carrying an Amish family of nine. The collision ejected the passengers and scattered the buggy's pieces across State Road 218 near Berne.
Crash Specifics & Injuries:
- The Vehicles:
Both the Jeep and the buggy were heading east on SR 218 at approximately 11:20 p.m. The Jeep collided directly into the back of the slow-moving buggy, deploying the SUV's airbags and throwing the carriage off the road.
- The Occupants:
There were nine people in the buggy, including seven minors. The buggy's driver, 32-year-old Ruben L.M. Schwartz, sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital by the medical flight team.
- Other Victims:
A 20-year-old and five children were transported by ambulance to Parkview Hospital. Another woman and a 2-year-old child declined medical treatment at the scene.
Aftermath & Investigation:
- First responders described the scene as chaotic, with a massive response from the Adams County Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and multiple emergency medical services.
- The driver of the Jeep, 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka, was uninjured in the crash. He was taken to Adams Memorial Hospital for a legal blood draw and the incident remains under investigation
