BREMEN, IN — A tragic crash in Marshall County, Indiana, claimed the lives of three young Amish siblings on Wednesday morning when their horse-drawn buggy was struck from behind by a car. The victims were identified as Glenda Jo Yoder, 13, Darrell Yoder, 10, and Devon Yoder, 9, all from the Bremen area. The children were ejected from the buggy during the collision and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The fatal crash happened shortly after 8 a.m. near the intersection of Fir Road and Fourth Road, a rural part of Marshall County with a strong Amish presence. According to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department, a Mercedes-Benz GLA driven by a 17-year-old was traveling southbound when it collided with the rear of the buggy carrying the Yoder children. The force of the impact was so severe that the buggy was destroyed, and all three children were thrown from the vehicle.
Authorities have not released the name of the teen driver, who was reportedly uninjured in the incident. At this time, no charges or citations have been issued, but investigators are reviewing all aspects of the crash. The investigation includes examining vehicle speed, driver attentiveness, weather conditions, and the layout of the rural road. The condition of the horse pulling the buggy has not yet been made public.
The Amish community and residents of Bremen are devastated by the loss. The Yoder family is well-known locally, and the tragedy has left the community mourning. Local churches and neighbors are rallying around the family, offering prayers, meals, and other support as they cope with the unimaginable loss of three children. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but services in Amish communities are typically held privately.
This heartbreaking incident has reignited concerns over the safety of Amish buggies on public roads, especially in areas with increasing motor vehicle traffic. Amish buggies are slow-moving and offer little protection in a crash, making collisions with faster-moving cars particularly dangerous. Some community members are calling for increased signage, reduced speed limits, or designated buggy lanes to help prevent future tragedies.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging all drivers to use extra caution when traveling through areas with Amish populations. Respecting the unique lifestyle of the Amish and being vigilant on rural roads can help ensure everyone’s safety. More information will be released as the case develops, but for now, the focus remains on supporting the grieving Yoder family.