MUNFORDVILLE, KY — A collision between a vehicle and a horse-drawn buggy in Hart County left one passenger dead and the buggy driver seriously injured, according to Kentucky State Police. The crash happened Monday morning on South Dixie Highway, also known as U.S. 31-W, in Munfordville. Troopers said the buggy was traveling north when it was struck from behind by a Ford F-250 also heading north. Authorities later identified the passenger who died as 81-year-old Sara Miller of Horse Cave.
Crash Details Released
KSP said troopers were called at about 8:24 a.m. to the 1600 block of South Dixie Highway for an injury collision. Their preliminary investigation found that Melvin Miller of Horse Cave was operating the horse and carriage, with Sara Miller riding as a passenger. The Ford F-250 was driven by 38-year-old John McBride of Munfordville. State police said the truck collided with the back end of the carriage. The investigation into the circumstances of the crash is continuing.
Victim And Injuries
Sara Miller was taken by Hart County EMS to the Medical Center at Caverna, where she was pronounced dead, police said. Melvin Miller was flown to the University of Louisville for treatment of his injuries and was last reported in serious condition. KSP initially said the other person involved was in critical condition before releasing the victims’ names and updated transport details. No additional information about the extent of the driver’s injuries has been released.
Traffic On Highway Cleared
The crash blocked U.S. 31-W for part of Monday morning, causing traffic delays in the area between the Hart County Fairgrounds and Lonoke Road. Transportation officials advised drivers to use a detour at L&N Turnpike Road at Rowletts and then follow Lonoke Road near Hart County High School. By Tuesday morning, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District Four said the scene had been cleared and the road was open again. Officials did not say how long the closure lasted.
Agencies Assisting Investigation
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Hart County Sheriff’s Office, Hart County EMS and other Kentucky State Police personnel. The crash remains under investigation, and police have not said whether any charges or citations are being considered. Because the collision involved a horse-drawn buggy on a busy U.S. highway, investigators are expected to examine roadway conditions, vehicle movement and other factors as part of the ongoing review. No further details have been released.
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