Lawrence Twp, OH (May 23, 2026) – Five people were injured, and one horse died early on Thursday morning after a pickup truck struck the rear of an Amish buggy in Stark County.
The crash occurred around 5:06 a.m. on May 21 in the 3600 block of Manchester Ave NW, according to police. Investigators said both the pickup truck and the buggy were traveling northbound when the truck hit the back of the buggy.
The buggy was carrying five occupants, including a 2-year-old child and four adults. Police said the group, consisting of two married couples between the ages of 23 and 39, was taken to hospitals with injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. The child was also hospitalized for treatment.
The driver of the pickup truck left the area in a private vehicle following the crash and had not been publicly identified as of the initial report. One horse died as a result of its injuries, while a second horse was taken in by an Amish neighbor for care and return. Investigators are continuing to review the circumstances surrounding the crash in Lawrence Township.
Our thoughts are with those injured as they recover and with the family affected by the loss of the horse.
Why Crashes Involving Horse-Drawn Buggies Can Be Serious
Collisions involving horse-drawn buggies can result in significant injuries because buggies offer little physical protection for occupants. Even at lower speeds, the force of impact can cause passengers to be thrown or pinned inside the carriage.
Rural and semi-rural roads frequently see mixed traffic, including vehicles traveling at higher speeds alongside slower-moving buggies. This speed difference can increase the risk of rear-end collisions, especially in low-light or early morning conditions.
After these types of crashes, investigators typically examine roadway visibility, vehicle speed, and driver actions leading up to the impact. The condition of the buggy and surrounding traffic patterns may also help explain how the collision occurred.
