August 15, 2025

Tragic Crashes Claim Lives in Amish Community

News Summary

Two tragic accidents in Montcalm Township, Michigan, involving pickup trucks and Amish buggies resulted in fatalities and critical injuries. A 4-month-old baby lost their life in one crash, while another incident claimed six lives, including five Amish individuals. The community is now facing heightened concerns regarding road safety, particularly in rural areas where horse-drawn transportation is common. Local officials are emphasizing the need for greater awareness and caution among drivers to prevent future tragedies.

Montcalm Township: Tragic Crashes Claim Lives and Injuries in Amish Community

Montcalm Township, Michigan—Two separate accidents involving pickup trucks and members of the Amish community resulted in fatalities and critical injuries on August 12, 2025. These incidents have raised concerns about road safety in areas where horse-drawn buggies are common.

The first crash occurred on Dickerson Lake Road, approximately 30 miles northeast of Grand Rapids, when a pickup truck collided with an Amish buggy in the evening. This tragic event claimed the life of a 4-month-old baby and critically injured a 2-year-old boy. At the time of the accident, five children under the age of 5 and two adults were in the buggy.

According to reports, the pickup truck attempted to overtake the buggy but swerved back into its lane after encountering an oncoming vehicle, leading to the collision. Following the crash, two of the children from the buggy were treated for minor injuries and subsequently released from the hospital. However, the 24-year-old mother and a 1-year-old girl remain hospitalized, with the mother in stable condition and the young boy in critical condition. The horse that was pulling the buggy suffered injuries and was later euthanized to alleviate its suffering. The pickup truck driver and another occupant from the buggy sustained minor injuries.

This incident was not an isolated case; earlier that day, another collision took place in Gilford Township, Tuscola County. In that crash, a pickup truck ran a stop sign and collided with a van carrying an Amish family. This tragic accident resulted in six fatalities, with five of the deceased being members of the Amish community. The crash involved 13 individuals in total, including 10 passengers in the van. Witnesses reported that multiple passengers were ejected from both vehicles during the collision, which happened around 4:45 PM. Following this incident, at least seven other individuals were transported to hospitals, although the conditions of those injured remain unknown.

Authorities have emphasized the importance of driving safely in areas frequented by horse-drawn buggies, urging the public to follow traffic laws to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The Amish community, known for its reliance on horse-drawn transportation, faces unique challenges on the roads, and these recent accidents have sparked profound sorrow and reflection within the community and beyond.

In light of these two devastating crashes, local officials and community leaders are calling for enhanced awareness and caution among drivers, particularly in rural areas where Amish populations reside. The tragic losses experienced by the Amish community highlight the urgent need for all road users to prioritize safety, respect, and mindfulness when driving.

The combination of vehicle size, speed, and the relative vulnerability of horse-drawn buggies necessitates a greater level of awareness from drivers. As the community mourns the loss of young lives and supports those left injured, the hope is that these incidents will serve as a catalyst for change, emphasizing the need for careful driving in shared roadways.

The impact of these accidents will likely resonate for years to come, prompting discussions about road safety, community responsibility, and the protection of vulnerable road users, especially those who depend on traditional forms of transportation.

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Gilford Township, Michigan: Tragic Collision Claims Six Lives

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Author: STAFF HERE GRANDRAPIDS WRITER

GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER The GRAND RAPIDS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREGrandRapids.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Grand Rapids, Kent County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as ArtPrize, Festival of the Arts, and World of Winter. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and Grand Rapids Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in furniture, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Steelcase, Spectrum Health, and Meijer. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.

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