Pickup Truck Collides with Amish Horse-Drawn Buggy in Upstate NY, Injuring Child and Killing Horse
Danube, NY – A serious traffic accident involving a pickup truck and an Amish horse-drawn buggy occurred on Route 5 in Danube, New York, earlier this week, resulting in the death of a horse and hospitalization of a young child. The crash raised concerns about road safety near horse-drawn vehicles in the area.
On Monday shortly after 5:30 p.m., a 2012 Dodge pickup truck driven by 73-year-old Laurie Callan struck the back of a loaded Amish buggy carrying eight passengers. The force of the collision ejected all passengers and sent the two-horse buggy careening off the road. Emergency services responded swiftly to the chaotic scene.
The Collision and Its Immediate Impact
According to the New York State Police, eight Amish individuals were hurled through the air after the pickup slammed into the horse-drawn buggy. The buggy, drawn by two horses, was pushed off the Herkimer County road, while Callan’s pickup truck flipped and landed in the westbound lane.
- A 6-year-old Amish boy was hospitalized at Wynn Hospital in Utica, approximately 30 miles west, with non-life-threatening injuries.
- The horse that was pulling the buggy died at the scene and was subsequently removed by its owner.
- Laurie Callan sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local hospital.
- No other passengers sustained injuries.
Traffic Violations and Investigation
Police have ticketed Callan on several charges:
- Following too closely
- Failure to exercise due care to avoid a collision with a horse on a highway
- Unreasonable speed
The investigation into the crash remains open as officials seek to understand the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
Road Safety Concerns for Horse-Drawn Vehicles
This accident highlights ongoing safety concerns for horse-drawn vehicles often used by Amish communities traveling on public roads. The mixing of motor vehicles and horse-drawn buggies requires heightened awareness from drivers to prevent tragic incidents like this. Authorities and local communities continue to advocate for safer driving practices near horse-drawn conveyances.
“Motorists must exercise extreme caution and reduce their speed when approaching horse-drawn buggies to prevent accidents and protect both human and animal lives,” emphasized law enforcement officials.
Read Also: Foster Mother Charged After 9-Year-Old Pennsylvania Girl Found Dead in River
Background Information
Amish horse-drawn buggies remain a common mode of transportation in many parts of upstate New York. The rural roads they traverse are shared with increasing numbers of motor vehicles, creating challenges for drivers unfamiliar with horse-drawn traffic.
For more details on the incident and ongoing coverage, visit the original report at New York Post.
What Can Be Done Moving Forward?
- Drivers should maintain safe distances from horse-drawn vehicles and reduce speed when approaching.
- Local authorities may consider adding warning signs and implementing safety campaigns.
- Community engagement between Amish residents and local drivers can foster better understanding and cooperation on shared roads.
The tragic outcome of this crash serves as a sobering reminder of the risks present on rural roads and the need for vigilance to protect vulnerable travelers.
What do you think about this accident and road safety around horse-drawn buggies? Have you encountered similar situations? Share your thoughts in the comments below!