Beaverton Township, Michigan — A devastating crash involving a horse-drawn buggy and an SUV left an 11-year-old Amish boy seriously injured and a horse dead in rural Michigan, according to local authorities.
The collision occurred just after 10 a.m. on June 10 in Beaverton Township, an area located in Gladwin County in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula. Investigators are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the crash, which caused extensive damage to both the buggy and the vehicle involved.
Buggy Struck While Entering Roadway
According to the Gladwin County Sheriff’s Office, the 11-year-old boy was operating a horse-drawn buggy when he attempted to enter McCulloch Road from a residential driveway.
As the buggy pulled onto the roadway, it was struck by a northbound Buick Enclave driven by a 79-year-old woman. Investigators believe limited visibility may have contributed to the collision.
In a statement, the sheriff’s office said vegetation near the end of the driveway may have obstructed the child’s view of approaching traffic.
“Due to vegetation at the end of the driveway near the roadway, deputies believed the child controlling the horse-drawn buggy did not see the involved vehicle traveling northbound on McCulloch Rd. and pulled out of the driveway in front of the vehicle.”
Authorities have not indicated whether any citations have been issued as the investigation remains ongoing.
Boy Hospitalized With Serious Injuries
Emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene and found significant damage from the collision.
The young carriage driver sustained serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to a hospital in Midland, approximately 30 miles from the crash location.
Officials have not released additional details regarding the nature of his injuries or his current condition.
The driver of the Buick was also injured in the crash but suffered injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening. She was transported to a hospital in nearby Gladwin for treatment.
Horse Did Not Survive the Collision
The horse involved in the crash died as a result of the incident.
Authorities did not specify whether the animal died immediately upon impact or was later euthanized because of its injuries.
Photos released by investigators showed the severity of the crash. The horse-drawn buggy was heavily damaged, missing wheels, and overturned on the side of the roadway. The Buick also sustained major front-end damage, including a shattered windshield.
The scene required assistance from multiple emergency agencies, including Beaverton Fire and Rescue and MyMichigan Ambulance Service.
Safety Concerns Surrounding Vehicle-Buggy Crashes
The incident has once again highlighted the dangers faced by Amish communities and others who rely on horse-drawn transportation.
According to previous reporting cited by MLive, there is no national database that specifically tracks Amish buggy crashes. However, Michigan State Police data has shown a concerning number of serious and fatal vehicle-buggy collisions in recent years.
Horse-drawn buggies are classified as slow-moving vehicles because they typically travel at speeds under 25 miles per hour.
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State police encourage motorists to remain alert when traveling through rural communities where horse-drawn transportation is common.
“Be prepared to slow down if you come upon any vehicle — including an Amish buggy — displaying the reflective orange and red SMV triangle sign.”
Officials also remind drivers not to attempt passing slow-moving vehicles unless they can clearly see that oncoming lanes are free of traffic.
Investigation Continues
Authorities have not announced any charges related to the crash, and investigators continue to review evidence and witness accounts.
As the Amish community and local residents await updates, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured child and the circumstances that led to the tragic collision.
The incident serves as a reminder of the unique roadway challenges in rural areas, where drivers and horse-drawn vehicles often share the same roads.
What are your thoughts on road safety measures for horse-drawn buggies and other slow-moving vehicles? Do you think additional protections are needed to help prevent similar crashes? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
