JOHNSONVILLE, Wayne County, Ill., Sept. 29, 2026 — One person died, and two others were injured Tuesday morning, September 29, in a multi-vehicle crash involving an Amish buggy west of Johnsonville, according to the Wayne County Sheriff's Department.
The crash was reported at about 7:09 a.m. along County Highway 16, an extension of Route 161, near the 600 block of the roadway, the sheriff's department said. The Wayne County Coroner's Office confirmed one death and two injuries, though the identities of those involved and the extent of the injuries have not been released.
The two injured were reportedly airlifted from the scene by Air Evac to a hospital in Evansville. The Wayne County Sheriff's Department, Wayne County Ambulance personnel, and the Cisne Fire Department responded.
An accident reconstructionist with the Illinois State Police is assisting at the scene, investigators said. County Highway 16 remains closed while crews investigate and clear the area, and the sheriff's department is asking drivers to use an alternate route until it reopens.
We are deeply sorry for the loss suffered by the victim's family.
Buggy and Vehicle Crashes: What the Numbers Show
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 17,008 motor-vehicle crash deaths occurred outside passenger vehicles in crashes involving passenger vehicles in 2023. That figure includes pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, and occupants of non-motorized vehicles such as horse-drawn buggies, all of whom have far less protection than those riding in a car or truck.
Crashes between motor vehicles and buggies follow a similar pattern to other mismatched-size collisions. A buggy offers little more than a wood or fiberglass frame, so the outcome for its occupants depends heavily on speed and the angle of impact. These crashes cluster in rural counties with active Amish or Mennonite communities, often on two-lane roads that carry both slow-moving farm and buggy traffic alongside cars traveling highway speeds.
Low light, narrow shoulders, and limited reflective markings on some buggies are recurring factors investigators consider in these cases. Rural roads without dedicated buggy lanes leave little separation between the two types of traffic, which is why sheriff's offices in counties like Wayne routinely urge caution on stretches where signage warns of horse-drawn vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm driving near an Amish buggy?
Slow down well before reaching it, and pass only when you have a clear, wide lane and good visibility in both directions. Buggies travel far slower than posted speed limits, so closing distance happens faster than it looks.
What are common injuries in crashes involving a buggy?
Buggy occupants often suffer serious trauma because they have no seatbelts, airbags, or a reinforced frame. Injuries can include fractures, head trauma, and internal injuries, even in crashes that a car occupant might walk away from.
What should I do after witnessing or being involved in this kind of crash?
Call 911 immediately, stay clear of moving traffic, and wait for law enforcement to document the scene before moving vehicles unless safety requires it.
What to Do After a Buggy Crash in Johnsonville, Illinois
If you are involved in or witness a crash involving a horse-drawn buggy, call 911 right away and stay back from the roadway until help arrives. Horses can be frightened and unpredictable after a collision, so let emergency responders handle the animal and the scene.
Anyone involved, including uninjured parties, should seek a medical check afterward, since some injuries from an impact do not show symptoms right away. Cooperate with the sheriff's department or state police handling the report, and keep a copy of the crash report for your records once it becomes available.
