A peaceful night in Berne, Indiana, turned to chaos when a Jeep collided with an Amish horse-drawn buggy, leaving several members of the Amish community critically injured. The crash occurred just after 11:20 p.m. on October 7, sending shockwaves through the quiet rural town known for its serenity and close-knit values.
Authorities identified the driver of the Jeep as 43-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka from Burlington, Kentucky. Traveling down a dimly lit stretch of highway, Ocilka’s vehicle struck the slower-moving buggy carrying nine members of the Amish community. The force of the impact was devastating — the wooden buggy splintered on contact, sending its passengers hurtling into the road.
Emergency responders arrived within minutes to a scene of devastation. Pieces of the buggy were scattered across the pavement, illuminated only by the flickering red and blue lights of police and rescue vehicles. Paramedics worked urgently to stabilize the injured while firefighters cleared the roadway of shattered glass, wood, and metal debris.
Among the victims was 32-year-old Ruben L. M. Schwartz, who had been steering the buggy when the collision occurred. He was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne in critical but stable condition. His relative, Joseph L. M. Schwartz, along with five children, was rushed to Parkview Hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
Police confirmed that seven individuals in total were injured, six of whom were juveniles. Despite the chaos and darkness, first responders praised the bravery of nearby residents who rushed to help before emergency crews arrived. Their quick actions ensured that the most severely injured received immediate aid.
As news spread through the Amish community, heartbreak followed. Friends and family members gathered to offer prayers and emotional support, struggling to comprehend how a peaceful buggy ride could end in such devastation. Amish elders described the event as “a night that will be remembered for generations.”
Local residents of Berne, many of whom live side-by-side with Amish families, have since organized community efforts to assist those affected. Churches are holding prayer vigils, and donation drives have begun to help cover the victims’ medical expenses and recovery costs.
Authorities have not confirmed whether speed, visibility, or impairment played a role in the crash. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Police are jointly investigating the accident, reviewing dashcam footage, skid marks, and vehicle data to determine the sequence of events. So far, no charges have been filed against the Jeep’s driver.
For the Amish, who traditionally travel by horse-drawn carriage, sharing the road with motor vehicles is a familiar but dangerous reality. Their slow-moving buggies, often lit only by reflective tape or lanterns, can be difficult to spot on dark rural roads — especially when modern drivers fail to adjust their speed or pay attention.
“This tragedy reminds us all to slow down and stay alert,” said Sheriff Daniel Krueger during a press conference. “In rural Indiana, the road belongs to everyone — and that means exercising caution when you know horse-drawn buggies may be present.”
The Schwartz family, who are now recovering in separate hospitals, remain in the thoughts and prayers of the entire community. Neighbors have stepped in to care for their horses, tend to the family farm, and provide food for relatives keeping vigil at the hospital.
Counseling services and clergy members have also offered emotional support to first responders, many of whom described the scene as one of the most difficult they’ve witnessed. “It’s hard to see children hurt like that,” said one EMT. “We just did everything we could to keep them alive.”
As the investigation continues, local leaders are urging drivers to use caution on rural roads, reduce speeds at night, and remember that slower, traditional modes of transport still share these routes. The tragedy has reignited discussions about road safety measures — including improved lighting, reflective signage, and public awareness campaigns aimed at preventing future collisions.
For now, Berne remains in mourning. What began as a quiet October night has become a painful reminder of life’s fragility — and the importance of empathy, patience, and awareness on the road.