Amish Van Wreck: Investigators Reveal More Details, Continue Looking Into Crash
Investigators are continuing to put together the details of the tragic crash in Tuscola County, Michigan Tuesday, which claimed the lives of five Amish people traveling in a passenger van, and a sixth person in a pickup truck.
According to reporting at ABC 12, some additional facts are now known:
- This Amish group was from the Cass City, Michigan community (this was what I supposed as a possibility, but it was also possible they were simply visiting someone in that area, or passing through).
- The Amish people who died were believed to be mostly in their 60s, though investigators are still sorting out identities, complicated by the fact that many if not all were not carrying identity cards. The person in the pickup who died was aged 44.
- According to local resident Rita Hanby (more from her below), the Amish people were en route to visiting a cousin in the Clare, Michigan community, about a 90-minute drive away. Many Amish hire drivers for such longer trips, as well as local excursions and work commutes in some cases.
That noted, another person reported on social media that the Amish were on the way to a location farther north. Via the Detroit News:
Shannon Scruggs-Allen wrote: “These were all Amish on their way to Gaylord. Potentially a Mennonite driver. I was taking my Amish clients home this evening when their son called me, looking for his parents to tell them. A tragedy.”
So there may be some uncertainty as to their destination there.
Investigators spent Wednesday visiting hospitals where victims of the crash were being treated to gather more information. There were an additional six people getting treatment for their injuries. A single person from the van did not require treatment.
Local Reaction
In the video below, we learn more details and get some comments from a woman who is well-acquainted with the Amish from this community:
“They are friends, they are in our community, they are some of the most generous, caring people you would ever meet,” said Rita Hanby.
Hanby, who knows the victims and provides rides to the Amish with her husband, recounted the tragedy. The community often relies on horse and buggy for local travel, but sometimes calls on the Hanby’s for longer trips.
“If it’s farther than the horse would take them, then sometimes they will call and ask if we can give them a ride,” Hanby said. “My husband and I are both retired. We enjoy these people. They are our friends.”
We also heard from Tuscola County Undersheriff Bob Baxter, who noted the initial chaos of the scene, and the department’s attempts to determine identities and where people were sitting in the van.
Update
Additionally from the Detroit News:
There is no “outright” suspected alcohol or drug use involved, but the sheriff’s office is still waiting on toxicology reports, Baxter said. The investigation is still active.
“The Amish that had passed away are from Tuscola County, so they are part of our community,” Baxter said. “Obviously our hearts go out to their families and friends and neighbors.”
Michigan Van Wreck
I’m certainly no expert, but I’d be willing to bet the pick-up truck driver was distracted. There were 3 people in that vehicle. When is Michigan gonna get serious about how they deal with owners of motor vehicles who injure or kill those using animal drawn vehicles?? How many more innocent people have to die?? Sounds like “same crap, different day” to me. Maybe if it were happing to non-Amish people, Michigan would change their laws?? Thanks for letting me have my say.
Seat belts?
I wonder if the passengers were wearing their seatbelts or not. I know many english who ride in the backseat that don’t wear them. Are the Amish different?
Reckless Rural Driving
On Monday this week I took a leisurely trip up into Berrien County Michigan from Indiana. It is beautiful country dotted with apple and peach orchards, blueberry farms, vineyards, and vegetable fields. The drivers on the other hand leave a lot to be desired. They are often reckless, speed, and aggressive. Being from Porter County Indiana I am very familiar with Michigan (and Illinois) drivers and their behavior. Frankly, around here, one can guess where a driver is from by the way they drive. Why are these drivers so dangerous? Too few of them take speed limits seriously, especially out in the hinterland. I was doing 45 on a backroad (the limit) and was passed by a driver doing 65+. The road was terrible but that didn’t slow this driver down. He was in a hurry and had some distance to cover. Another factor is impairment. Michigan is a cannabis legal state, and there are dispensaries all over. It’s not unusual to go into stores and be greeted by the overpowering smell of weed on someone’s breath. I don’t know if cannabis impairment can be detected like alcohol can, but a lot of drivers on the road seem to not be completely in control of their faculties. Then there is distracted driving. I’m sure that plays a role too. I’m especially careful driving in Michigan. I saw a fair share of red light running too. I am very saddened about the Tuscola situation (and the Bloomingdale one as well) but unfortunately, not surprised. As I tell friends when they leave in their cars, “Be careful, they’re trying to kill you out there!”
So Sad
So sad this happening. My condolences to all families and friends. I will be praying for each and everyone. God bless you all