BERNE, Indiana — A quiet October night turned tragic when a Jeep collided with a horse-drawn Amish buggy on State Road 218. By the time first responders arrived around 11:20 p.m., the buggy lay shattered across the road, and the Jeep had ended up in a ditch.

Nine people had been riding in the buggy, including six children. Seven were injured and taken to nearby hospitals, while two, including a 2-year-old, declined treatment. The Jeep’s driver, a 33-year-old man from Kentucky, was tested for alcohol but refused other medical care. No charges have been filed.

Emergency crews described the scene as chaotic, with flashing lights cutting through the rural darkness. For the tight-knit Amish community, the accident has deeply affected neighbors, who are expected to rally around the family.

The crash is a sobering reminder of how vulnerable horse-drawn buggies are on modern roads, especially at night. Authorities urge drivers to slow down, stay alert, and give extra space. The investigation is ongoing, and anyone wishing to help is encouraged to contact local churches or community groups.