Young Man Dies in Runaway Horse Carriage Crash in Central Park
New York City, NY — An 18-year-old tourist died after a horse carriage crash in Central Park on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the NYPD, the horse bolted from its driver, crashing into another carriage near Tavern on the Green around 2:41 p.m. The collision overturned the carriage, throwing passenger Romanch Mahajan, a tourist from India, onto the pavement. He was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but later succumbed to his injuries.
Emergency responders confirmed that other family members in the carriage sustained only minor injuries. Witnesses reported the violent nature of the incident, capturing videos of the crash.
Christina Hansen, a fellow horse carriage driver, arrived on the scene shortly after the crash. She stated that the runaway horse was unharmed and tied it to a nearby pole. Hansen noted that the driver of the runaway carriage appeared “very, very shaken up.”
The Transport Workers Union (TWU), which oversees the horse carriage industry, called for a full investigation. Alexander Kemp, administrative vice president of TWU Local 100, emphasized that drivers should never leave the carriage to take photos, stating the horse was new to the park.
This incident follows the recent death of Deniz, a 16-year-old horse reportedly poisoned by a toxic plant in the park, raising concerns about horse carriage safety. The Central Park Conservancy reiterated calls to ban horse carriages, citing risks to visitors, drivers, and the animals. The ongoing incidents have revived discussions about Ryder's Law, pending legislation to phase out the industry in Central Park.