NY officials call for suspension of horse-drawn carriage rides after Central Park fatality
An Indian teenager died when a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park bolted, prompting city leaders and the Central Park Conservancy to seek a halt to the 150-year-old industry while safety measures are reviewed.
An 18-year-old visitor from India was killed on Thursday after a horse pulling a carriage in Central Park bolted and collided with another vehicle. The teenager, Romanch Mahajan, jumped from the carriage when his mother fell, striking his head and dying at the scene, his father said. The family, who had arrived in New York that morning, was on a sightseeing ride when the driver stepped out to take photographs, and the accident occurred shortly thereafter.
The carriage company has suspended the driver indefinitely and retired the horse, according to the industry union. The Transport Workers Union Local 100 expressed shock at the incident and announced that the stables have been closed while safety protocols are reviewed.
The Central Park Conservancy, which manages the park, confirmed that this is the first fatality involving a horse-drawn carriage in the park’s more than 150-year history. It noted eight horse-related incidents in the past 13 months and called for a temporary suspension of the rides until additional protections are implemented. The organization has previously supported legislation to ban the carriage industry and assist drivers in transitioning to other employment.
City Council leaders announced a hearing next month on “Ryder’s Law,” a bill backed by the Conservancy. Council Speaker Julie Menin wrote on social media that immediate action is required, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani reiterated his campaign promise to end the industry, pledging to work with the council, the carriage sector and animal-welfare groups on a “just transition” for workers.
Horse-drawn carriage rides, which cost about $72 for a 20-minute trip, were not operating in the park on Thursday. While the Transport Workers Union has historically opposed efforts to phase out the industry, it recently supported legislation to install hitching posts throughout the park to improve horse safety at popular tourist spots.
The incident has revived debate over the carriage rides, which supporters describe as a historic tourist attraction providing jobs, while opponents argue they pose safety risks to visitors and raise animal-welfare concerns.
