Teen Tourist Killed in Central Park Horse-Drawn Carriage Accident

An 18-year-old Indian tourist died Wednesday after a horse-drawn carriage in New York City’s Central Park became startled, bolted down West Drive and collided with another carriage, causing both vehicles to overturn, officials said. The victim, Romanch Mahajan, fell from the carriage near Cherry Hill at West 72nd Street and West Drive and was taken to a local hospital in critical condition before succumbing to his injuries.

The New York City Police Department confirmed that an investigation is ongoing. A Central Park Conservancy spokesperson expressed condolences to the family, noting the incident highlights safety concerns associated with horse-drawn carriages in the park.

Preliminary information reported by Alexander Kemp, a representative of the Transport Workers Union Local 100, suggests the driver may have stepped away from the horse to photograph passengers, a practice the union described as unacceptable. The union called for a full investigation and advocated for enhanced driver training, stricter examinations, and additional regulations for new horses entering the business.

The Conservancy, which has opposed horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, reiterated its support for “Ryder’s Law,” legislation that would ban the carriages and provide job-placement assistance for drivers. The agency noted that the crash was the eighth horse-related incident in the park over the past 13 months.

Authorities have not yet determined why the horse became spooked. The incident follows a recent death of a carriage horse in the same area and a similar carriage overturning in May.