An 18-year-old tourist from India has died after being thrown from a horse-drawn carriage during a devastating accident in New York City’s Central Park.
The victim, identified as Romanch Mahajan, suffered critical head injuries after falling from the carriage when a horse bolted and sped through the park on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the New York Police Department, Mahajan was travelling in the carriage with three other passengers shortly before 3pm when the incident occurred. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition but later succumbed to his injuries. The remaining passengers reportedly declined medical treatment.
Dramatic footage captured the frightening moments as the horse broke away from its driver and galloped uncontrollably through the park. Witnesses said passengers screamed in terror as the carriage raced along before colliding with another horse-drawn carriage and overturning.
Investigators were told that the driver had stepped away from the carriage to take a photograph of the passengers shortly before the horse ran off. A representative from the transport workers’ union stated that drivers are not permitted to leave their carriages unattended and supported a full investigation into the incident.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and heartbreak. One witness said she immediately called emergency services after seeing the carriage overturn, while another recalled seeing the teenager lying motionless on the ground as family members desperately tried to help him.
The horse involved, a seven-year-old named Sampson, was not believed to have been injured.
The tragedy has reignited a long-running debate over the future of horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park. Animal welfare organisations and some city officials have renewed calls for the industry to be banned, arguing that the practice poses risks to both animals and the public.
The accident comes just days after another horse involved in the carriage industry reportedly died following a medical emergency, further intensifying scrutiny of the historic attraction.
Several advocacy groups have pointed to the latest incidents as evidence that stronger action is needed. Proposed legislation known as Ryder’s Law, which would phase out horse-drawn carriages in New York City, has once again become a focus of discussion among lawmakers.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the fatal crash as a horrific incident and said he would work with city officials, industry representatives and animal welfare groups to explore a transition away from horse-drawn carriages while protecting workers’ livelihoods.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident.
