Serious Crash Involving Amish Horse and Buggy in Clare County

Overview of the Incident

Fortunately, the buggy was unoccupied at the time of the accident, which was a relief considering recent reports of runaway buggies with Amish children inside. However, the driver of the truck sustained serious injuries when it collided with the buggy.

Details of the Crash

According to reports from WNEM, the incident occurred in Clare County, Michigan, specifically in Grant Township. The Clare Central Dispatch Center received multiple calls at 7:25 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15, reporting a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a horse-drawn buggy.

Deputies from the Clare County Sheriff’s Office responded promptly and discovered that a 2005 Ford F-150, driven by 66-year-old Richard Rodabaugh of Farwell, was traveling south on Clare Avenue. The truck collided with a horse and buggy traveling northbound on the same roadway. The buggy was found to be unoccupied at the moment of impact.

Impact and Aftermath

It appears that the collision was essentially a head-on crash, given the direction of travel of both vehicles. The force of the impact caused significant damage to the truck, which can be seen in the photo released by the sheriff’s office. Richard Rodabaugh was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Grand Rapids due to the severity of his injuries. As of yesterday, he was reported to be in stable condition.

Tragically, the horse involved in the crash was killed. The owner of the horse explained that the animal had gotten loose from a nearby property. The sheriff’s office cited the owner under Michigan law for animals running at large.

Community Response and Reflection

It is hoped that the Amish community will offer their support and assistance to Mr. Rodabaugh during his recovery, as community compassion often plays a vital role in such incidents.

The Importance of Securing Horses

While runaway buggies are not an everyday occurrence, they do happen with enough frequency to warrant concern. It is essential for Amish horse owners to ensure their animals are properly secured to prevent such accidents. Both reckless driving and failure to secure livestock can have devastating consequences, and responsibility lies with both parties—drivers and horse owners alike.

Each incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance. Although this man survived, such crashes could easily result in tragedy, and the community should take proactive steps to prevent future occurrences.