FARMVILLE, Va. — An Amish couple was killed and their eight children were injured Monday when the horse-drawn buggy they were riding in was rear-ended by a vehicle Sunday, authorities said.
According to the Virginia State Police, Barbie Esh, 38, of Farmville, died at the scene, WWBT reported. Her husband, John Esh, 39, died from his injuries at VCU Medical Center on Monday, the television station reported. Their eight children, ranging from ages 9 months to 16 years old, were also injured in the crash.
Two children have since been released from the hospital, according to WSET.
According to the state police, the buggy was traveling south on a road in Cumberland County on Sunday night when it was hit from behind by a Toyota Tundra, the television station reported.
The horse was euthanized because of its injuries, The Washington Post reported. The buggy was equipped with a “Slow Moving Vehicle” sign and working headlights and taillights, the newspaper reported.
The driver of the truck, a 60-year-old man from Farmville, was not injured, police said. Charges are pending.
Barbie Esh and John Esh will be buried on Thursday, WWBT reported.
Amish buggies from the surrounding counties and from states as far away as New York will attend the funeral in Cumberland County, the television station reported.
A GoFundMe page was set up for the family’s medical expenses. As of Wednesday night, more than $36,000 had been pledged.
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