Another Serious Hit-and-Run Incident on an Amish Buggy Occurs in Clare County
Once again, Clare County, Michigan, has been the scene of a troubling hit-and-run involving an Amish horse-drawn buggy. This recurring issue highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Amish community and local authorities. According to a recent report from ABC 12 News:
CLARE COUNTY, Mich. (WJRT) – Law enforcement officials are actively seeking a full-size Ford pickup truck involved in a hit-and-run crash with an Amish buggy on Monday in eastern Clare County.
The Clare County Sheriff’s Office states that the Amish buggy was traveling along South Bailey Lake Avenue near Lincoln Road when it was struck by a pickup truck that fled the scene without stopping.
Thankfully, there were no injuries reported in the incident, which suggests that neither the horse nor the occupants of the buggy were harmed. Investigators recovered broken vehicle parts at the scene which match a Ford F-450 or F-550 pickup truck manufactured between 2017 and 2024. The truck likely has significant damage on the front passenger side, aiding in identification.
If you live in or are traveling through the area and notice a vehicle matching this description, please contact the Clare County Sheriff’s Office at 989-539-7166.
Historical Context: A Pattern of Similar Incidents in Clare County
This recent event is not an isolated case; Clare County has experienced multiple hit-and-run incidents involving Amish buggies over recent years. In 2020, a driver operating a Pontiac sedan struck and severely damaged an Amish buggy before fleeing the scene. The driver left behind a vehicle fragment, which was later used to assist in the investigation.
Additionally, last November, a runaway Amish buggy was hit by a truck while unoccupied, resulting in serious injuries to the non-Amish driver. The frequency of these incidents underscores the ongoing safety concerns in the region.
Clare County is home to two significant Amish communities, one with over 1,000 residents, and is part of a broader area where buggy travel is common. These incidents serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and community awareness to prevent future tragedies.