Amish community mourns after tragic horse-drawn crash kills three children
A tragic accident occurred in Indiana, USA, when a vehicle collided with a horse-drawn carriage driven by a 17-year-old. Three children lost their lives. The victims were Amish, sparking an online debate about their safety.
The accident took place about 20 miles from South Bend in Marshall County on April 9th. A Mercedes collided with the horse-drawn carriage as the children were on their way to school. According to WIBC, the impact was severe, resulting in the passengers dying at the scene.
Indiana state services reported that 9-year-old Devon, 10-year-old Darrel, and their 13-year-old sister Glenda were ejected from the carriage onto the road. Despite the ambulance arriving quickly, their lives could not be saved.
The tragedy sparked a debate on social media. Users pointed out that in Indiana, there are no specific regulations regarding the age limit for drivers of horse-drawn carriages (it was operated by a 17-year-old).
All involved were Amish, a significant community in the region—about 63,000 people. They travel on roads with carriages, and the number of accidents involving these vehicles is steadily increasing.
Such vehicles lack seat belts and airbags that could potentially save lives. Regulations requiring such equipment conflict with Amish traditions.
Local authorities have been attempting to find a compromise on this issue for many years, but with little success. Representatives of the Anabaptist religious sect avoid modern technologies.
Who are the Amish?
Their lives are centered around simplicity, humility, and community. The Amish believe that modern conveniences can detract from spiritual values. There is no electricity or running water in their villages, and children’s education ends at age 14.
