An unfortunate incident occurred in Lawrence Township, Michigan, on Wednesday morning when a sport utility vehicle (SUV) collided with an Amish buggy. The tragic accident resulted in the death of an 8-year-old girl and left a 12-year-old boy with injuries. The children were the only individuals present in the horse-drawn buggy at the time of the accident. The young boy, initially in critical condition, has now been reported as stable after receiving medical care at a hospital.
The crash, which also claimed the life of the horse pulling the buggy, took place at approximately 8 a.m. on a county road in Van Buren County. The SUV’s driver was apprehended and taken into custody at the county jail due to suspected impaired driving, although neither she nor her two passengers were reported to have sustained injuries in the incident.
State police communicated details of the arrest via a social media platform and emphasized the importance of caution on roads shared with Amish vehicles. Special Lieutenant DuWayne Robinson highlighted this point, advising community members and drivers to remain vigilant and considerate. “The presence of horse-drawn buggies on our roads is part of the community landscape,” Robinson stated, reinforcing that buggies are entitled to the same space on the roadway as other vehicles.
Robinson also clarified that it is legal for children to travel in an Amish buggy without an adult’s supervision. This practice is a recognized and accepted part of the Amish way of life. The accident serves as a sobering reminder of the need for increased awareness and considerate driving practices, especially in areas with Amish communities.