Transport Workers Union halts Central Park carriage rides after fatal accident
The union representing horse-carriage drivers suspended all rides in Central Park following the death of an 18-year-old tourist, prompting renewed calls for a ban on the attraction.
The Transport Workers Union Local 90 announced on Thursday that it has suspended all horse-drawn carriage operations in Central Park after an 18-year-old Indian tourist was thrown from a runaway carriage and died of blunt-force trauma, the medical examiner ruled an accident.
"We're absolutely gutted and stunned by this tragedy. We've never had a fatal accident like this before. We have shuttered the stables and ceased operations today while we have extensive internal discussions of safety protocols and how they can be improved," said TWU Local 100 Administrative Vice President Alexander Kemp. "We definitely want to return our horses to the park where they've always been, but at the time that it's appropriate," added union member Christina Hansen. The incident, captured on a cellphone video showing the driver chasing the carriage after the horse bolted, has intensified calls from the Central Park Conservancy, animal-rights groups and city officials to end the horse-carriage industry. City Council Speaker Julie Menin said a hearing on the proposed Ryder's Law will be held next month, and Mayor Zohran Mamdani reiterated his support for a transition that would protect workers while ending the rides. The union also highlighted legislation introduced as Intro 937, which would require hitching posts throughout the park to allow drivers to secure horses safely at popular tourist spots.
