Burr Oak Township, MI (June 7, 2026) – A crash involving a passenger vehicle and a horse-drawn buggy on Maystead Road near Needham Road in Burr Oak Township on Friday, June 5, injured three people.
Deputies were called to the area around 8:16 p.m. Investigators said both the car and buggy were traveling east when the vehicle struck the rear of the buggy. All occupants of the buggy were ejected during the crash. Emergency units responded and airlifted three injured passengers to hospitals for treatment.
Officials said two young children are currently in stable condition, while a pregnant woman remains in critical condition. All three sustained serious injuries. A 54-year-old man was arrested and lodged at the St. Joseph County Jail as the investigation continues.
An investigation by officials stated that drug use may have contributed to the crash. Multiple fire and medical agencies assisted at the scene, including local fire departments and state police. The investigation remains ongoing.
We are thinking of those injured.
Why Crashes Involving Horse-Drawn Buggies Can Be Severe
Collisions involving horse-drawn buggies can lead to serious injuries because these vehicles offer little physical protection for occupants. Even low- to moderate-speed impacts can eject passengers, increasing the risk of harm on contact with the roadway.
Rear-end crashes are especially dangerous for buggies, as they provide minimal structural support and are highly vulnerable to impact from larger vehicles. Rural roads where these vehicles are commonly used may also have limited lighting or visibility, raising the risk of late detection by drivers.
Safety experts emphasize the importance of slowing down in areas where buggies are present and maintaining extra distance to allow more time to react.
