EATON COUNTY, Mich. (WLNS) — Eaton County sheriff’s officials say three children are dead, and a fourth seriously hurt after a vehicle crashed into an Amish buggy.
The crash happened at 3:19 p.m. Wednesday on Vermontville Highway near Bradley Road in Vermontville Township.
Undersheriff Jeffrey Cook says the vehicle struck the buggy from behind.
The driver of the vehicle was also taken to an area hospital for evaluation.
A source told 6 News the children were on their way home from school when the crash occurred. Witnesses say a bystander tried to help the children before first responders arrived.
Cook says the scene was difficult for investigators and first responders to process.
“We all have children. And it’s difficult to measure the impact that this has on the families of these children and of course, the first responders who have children,” he said. “It’s a horrific scene.”
The scene was also tough for Kevin Newton, who worked for the children’s family as a driver. He says he found out about the crash on his way home from work.
“I bawled like a baby,” Newton said.
Newton said he hopes something is done to help keep the Amish community safe.
“They only got one sign up here that says Amish. They should have more signs out, with even blinking lights.”
Vermontville Highway was shut down for several hours while crews cleaned up and investigated, but it has since reopened.
