BERNE – A late-night collision between a Jeep and an Amish buggy on State Road 218 near County Road 000 left multiple people injured and prompted a large-scale emergency response.
At approximately 11:20 p.m. on October 7th, deputies from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office, along with personnel from multiple emergency services, were dispatched to the scene of a serious traffic accident involving a motor vehicle and a horse-drawn buggy.
Upon arrival, responders found a black Jeep in a roadside ditch and an Amish buggy in pieces scattered across the roadway. Several individuals were injured, including seven juveniles among the buggy’s nine occupants.
The buggy’s driver, 32-year-old Ruben L.M. Schwartz of Berne, was airlifted to Lutheran Hospital. Joseph L.M. Schwartz, 20, and five juvenile passengers were transported by ambulance to Parkview Hospital. Two other passengers, Saraetta L. Schwartz, 32, and her 2-year-old son, declined medical treatment and were released at the scene.
The Jeep’s driver, identified as 33-year-old Bradley J. Ocilka of Burlington, Kentucky, was found standing outside his vehicle and declined medical attention. He was later taken to Adams Memorial Hospital for a legal blood draw but again refused treatment.
The response included Adams County EMS, Berne and Geneva Police Departments, Berne Fire Department, Wells and Jay County EMS, Indiana State Police, and Lutheran Hospital’s Flight Team. Officials described the scene as chaotic, with responders working “frantically to provide medical treatment.”
Investigators determined both vehicles were traveling eastbound on SR 218 when the Jeep struck the buggy from behind. The impact severely damaged the SUV’s front passenger side and triggered its airbags. The buggy was thrown from the road, ejecting its occupants and scattering personal belongings.
Lehman’s Auto Repair of Berne removed both the Jeep and the remains of the buggy from the scene.
The Adams County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the incident remains under investigation. “All persons are innocent until proven guilty,” the department stated.
Further updates on the condition of the injured individuals are expected as the investigation continues.
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