An 8-year-old girl and the horse pulling her buggy died following a collision with an SUV in Southwest Michigan, authorities reported. The incident occurred at approximately 8 a.m. yesterday on CR-215 near 60th Avenue in Lawrence Township, Van Buren County. A 12-year-old boy who was also in the buggy was rushed to the hospital and is listed in critical condition, according to a statement provided by CBS News Detroit.
The MSP Fifth District reported that a 31-year-old Mattawan woman was driving the Ford SUV that rear-ended the buggy. Following the crash, she was arrested and taken to Van Buren County Jail with charges of operating while under the influence of an unknown substance. Fortunately, neither she nor her two passengers were injured in the accident. Seatbelt use in the incident has not been made clear to ascertain fully.
#TrafficCrash
— MSP Fifth District (@MspSouthwestMI) March 26, 2025
Passenger Vehicle vs. Amish Buggy
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Date/Time: March 26, approx. 8:00 a.m.
Location: CR 215 near 60th Ave, Lawrence Twp, Van Buren County
Synopsis: Paw Paw post troopers responded to a fatal vehicle vs. Amish buggy crash. Preliminary… pic.twitter.com/zpGt6KlFqf
Troopers from the Michigan State Police, Paw Paw post, were the first responders to the tragic incident. They were assisted by Van Buren County Sheriff's deputies and Emergency Medical Services. The investigation into the crash is ongoing as officials seek to understand how the collision transpired and what factors contributed to this heartbreaking event.
