Amish Woman, Granddaughter Injured In Buggy Crash
POSTED: 9:44 am EST February 15, 2006
MECHANICSVILLE, Md. -- Police in St. Mary's County said two Amish people were injured after a horse-drawn buggy collided with a sport utility vehicle Wednesday morning.
"We do not have a lot of accidents involving motor vehicles and buggies," said Mark Clark, of the St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office. "But we do have a few a year that are very serious."
Police said the accident happened about 8:30 a.m. on Thompson Corner Road about one mile north of Bethel Church Road in Mechanicsville. Authorities said a 2000 Ford Explorer hit the back of the buggy. Mary Hostelter, 60, of Charlotte Hall, was operating the buggy. She and her 12-year-old granddaughter were airlifted to Washington Hospital Center for treatment of serious injuries. News4's Jeff Napshin reported that Hostelter was taking her granddaughter to school.
The buggy was destroyed, and the horse was injured and taken to a nearby farm for treatment.
"They are able to use the roadway just like any other vehicle," Clark said. "They must have a slow-moving vehicle sign and-or some sort of lights. And most Amish buggies have battery-operated lights that go on the back of the buggies."
The driver of the SUV, Timothy Donais, 32, of Mechanicsville, was unharmed.
Authorities closed Thompson Corner Road in both directions for a time.
Hostelter and her granddaughter are in stable condition.
Police continue to investigate the crash. Charges have not been filed.
