The tragic death of an Indian teenager during a horse-drawn carriage accident in New York City’s Central Park has reignited calls to ban the iconic tourist attraction, with city leaders and advocacy groups demanding stricter safety measures or an end to the industry altogether.
Eighteen-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who was visiting New York with his family to celebrate his high school graduation, lost his life after a carriage horse unexpectedly bolted while the family was on a sightseeing ride through Central Park.
According to his father, Deepak Mahajan, the accident occurred after the carriage driver stepped away to take photographs of the family. Moments later, the horse ran off uncontrollably, causing the carriage to overturn.
In a final act of bravery, Romanch reportedly jumped from the moving carriage after seeing his mother fall out. He struck his head on the ground and suffered fatal injuries while trying to help her.
“He was screaming, ‘Mom!’” his father recalled while describing the devastating incident.
The Mahajan family had arrived in New York from India only a day earlier. The trip was intended to celebrate Romanch’s academic achievements, and on the same day as the accident, he had learned that he had secured admission to a university in Jaipur.
His father said the family had spent the day visiting some of New York’s most famous landmarks before deciding to end the evening with a carriage ride through Central Park.
“This incident should be taken very seriously. It took my son’s dream away,” he said.
Following the accident, the company operating the carriage suspended the driver indefinitely. The horse involved in the incident has also been retired from service, according to representatives of the industry.
Alexander Kemp, Vice President of the Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents carriage drivers and owners, described the incident as unprecedented. “We’re absolutely devastated by this tragedy. We’ve never experienced a fatal accident of this kind before,” he said, adding that carriage operations were temporarily halted while safety protocols undergo review.
The Central Park Conservancy, which manages the park, stated that this appears to be the first human fatality linked to a horse-drawn carriage in the park’s more than 150-year history. The organisation has called for the suspension of carriage rides until additional safety measures can be implemented. It noted that there have been eight horse-related incidents in Central Park over the past 13 months, raising concerns about public safety.
The tragedy has also revived a long-running debate over the future of horse-drawn carriages in New York City. Supporters view the rides as a historic attraction that provides employment for hundreds of workers and preserves a traditional aspect of the city’s character. Critics, however, argue that the rides pose risks to both animals and passengers and are increasingly unsuitable for a crowded modern urban environment.
City leaders have now renewed efforts to phase out the industry. New York City Council officials announced plans to hold hearings next month on proposed legislation known as Ryder’s Law, which would ban horse-drawn carriages and help workers transition into alternative employment.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani also reiterated his support for ending the practice, stating that any transition should protect workers while addressing safety concerns. Meanwhile, the Transport Workers Union has backed new legislation that would require designated hitching posts throughout Central Park, allowing drivers to safely secure horses when stopping for photographs or other activities.
As investigations continue, Romanch Mahajan’s death has become a focal point in a broader discussion about public safety, animal welfare, and the future of one of New York City’s most recognisable tourist attractions. For his family, however, the debate is overshadowed by an immeasurable personal loss the loss of a young man whose future had only just begun.
