What began as a calm, ordinary evening in the close-knit Amish community of Berne, Indiana, turned into a night of heartbreak and shock when a horse-drawn buggy carrying a family of nine was struck by a Jeep on State Road 218. The crash occurred around 11:20 p.m., shattering the stillness of the rural road. When emergency responders arrived, they were met with a harrowing scene — splintered wood, overturned wheels, and scattered belongings illuminated by flashing lights against the quiet countryside.
Inside the wrecked buggy was the Schwartz family, a well-known Amish household in the area. Seven members were injured, including several children who were rushed by ambulance to nearby hospitals for treatment. The buggy’s driver, 32-year-old Ruben L. M. Schwartz, sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to a regional trauma center for urgent medical care. Two other passengers — a mother and her infant — declined transport after being evaluated at the scene but were deeply shaken by the ordeal.
As word spread through Berne, neighbors and church members quickly rallied around the family. Homes, barns, and meetinghouses filled with quiet prayers, candlelight, and support as the community came together, reflecting the deep compassion and unity that define Amish life. Their simple way of living, rooted in faith and mutual aid, offered strength and comfort during an otherwise devastating time.
Authorities later identified the driver of the Jeep as 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka of Kentucky. Investigators reported that his vehicle was traveling eastbound when it collided with the slower-moving buggy ahead. While the cause remains under review, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical personnel, and firefighters worked together to manage the scene efficiently and with professionalism. Officials commended the responders for their calm and coordinated efforts amid the chaos.
For residents of Berne, where horse-drawn buggies are a daily sight, the tragedy has prompted renewed calls for road safety awareness. Local leaders are urging motorists to slow down, especially at night and along routes frequented by Amish travelers. The collision serves as a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be and how vital it is to share the road with care and vigilance.
Though the Schwartz family faces a long recovery, they are surrounded by an outpouring of love and support from friends, neighbors, and fellow church members. In the heart of adversity, the community has found strength — turning sorrow into solidarity and recommitting to the values of compassion, patience, and respect that have long defined their way of life.