Tragic Incident Involving an Amish Family and a Car Crash
The recent accident involving an Amish family was not an isolated event. Alongside the 10-month-old child who was thrown from the buggy, two other individuals were also ejected: a 2-year-old and a 24-year-old Amish person. Many might assume this was a family outing, with the 24-year-old being the mother, but the details remain limited.
What is known is that the 30-year-old buggy driver, presumably the father, suffered injuries severe enough to require airlifting to a hospital. Meanwhile, the other three injured individuals were transported to Fort Wayne hospitals for treatment. The incident occurred on a Sunday night, as reported by local sources.
Below is an image showing the aftermath of the crash, highlighting the extent of the damage to the buggy, which is characteristic of the Amish community in Adams County, Indiana. Most Amish in this area still use open-top buggies, which are less protected in accidents.
Regarding the cause of this unfortunate event, preliminary investigations suggest that the driver of the car was under the influence. According to reports from wane.com, Shanelle Bayes, 32, was driving the car and was unharmed in the collision. Authorities believe that alcohol played a role in the crash.
Ms. Bayes stated she did not see the buggy before rear-ending it. While it’s not confirmed, there is speculation that she may have had a single drink, as Indiana law permits drivers to operate a vehicle with a BAC up to 0.08. Investigators have indicated that there were signs of impairment, which likely contributed to her inability to avoid the collision.
Her vehicle sustained significant damage, though there is no information regarding the condition of the horse involved. It is hoped that the injuries sustained by the children and other victims were less severe due to the possibility that being thrown from the buggy might have mitigated more serious injuries.