By Pat Maurer
Correspondent
An Amish couple were critically injured and alcohol is believed to be a factor in a crash involving a vehicle rear-ending an Amish buggy Sunday evening, November 27th on East Colonville Road.
A release from the Clare County Sheriff’s Office said the crash took place in Sheridan Township near South Brand Avenue when a 2002 Ford Ranger pick-up, driven westbound on Colonville by a 26-year-old Clare man smashed into the buggy which was being driven by Jay Stutzman, 52, with Irene Stutzman, 52 as a passenger. Both are from Clare.
The Stutzman’s were both treated at the scene by Mobile Medical Response Ambulance Service for severe injuries caused by the crash. They were taken to a hospital downstate where they were both listed in critical condition.
The driver of the truck was not injured.
The Amish buggy had functioning flashing lights on it at the time of the crash, which remains under investigation.
Clare County Deputies were assisted at the scene by Clare City Police, Michigan State Police Troopers, Clare Fire Department, Clute’s Wrecker Service and Mobile Medical Response Ambulance Service.
The name of the driver of the pickup was not in the press release.