8-year-old girl dies after SUV crashes into Amish buggy in Michigan

In the early hours of Wednesday, March 26, 2025, a tragic accident occurred in Lawrence Township, Van Buren County, Michigan, when an SUV collided with an Amish buggy. This crash involved only two occupants of the buggy, an 8-year-old girl and a 12-year-old boy. During the incident, the SUV, driven by a 31-year-old woman from Mattawan, was reportedly traveling northbound when it rear-ended the horse-drawn vehicle at approximately 8 a.m. Upon arrival, first responders discovered the girl had sustained critical injuries and was later pronounced dead at the hospital, while the boy was transported in stable condition after initially being listed as critical. The horse pulling the buggy also succumbed to its injuries as a result of the crash. State police indicated that the SUV driver was arrested at the scene for operating under the influence of an unknown substance. Fortunately, neither the driver nor her two passengers were injured in the incident. This tragic event highlights a significant issue regarding roadway safety, especially concerning the presence of horse-drawn vehicles on public roads. Spl. Lt. DuWayne Robinson of the Michigan State Police cautioned drivers about the need to be vigilant while sharing the road with the Amish community, reminding them that horse-drawn carriages have as much right to the road as passenger vehicles do. He added that many of these buggies operate on rural roads, and drivers should be especially watchful for them. The relationship between the Amish community and other road users is crucial, as traffic incidents involving horse-drawn buggies can have severe consequences, as underscored by this devastating accident. The state police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, aiming to understand all aspects and ensure accountability going forward. This incident serves not only as a personal tragedy for the affected family and community but also as a reminder of the importance of road safety for all types of vehicles. As the investigation progresses, there will be a greater focus on preventing similar incidents, especially in regions where the Amish and other non-motorized transport are prevalent. Communities are urged to enhance awareness and implement safety measures to protect all road users, particularly vulnerable groups like children and pedestrians, from similar tragedies in the future.