Key facts
- Romanch Mahajan, 18, died after falling from a runaway horse carriage in Central Park.
- The incident is believed to be the first fatality in Central Park horse carriage history.
- The Central Park Conservancy cited eight horse-related incidents in the past 13 months.
- Animal welfare groups have long alleged overworked horses and inadequate living conditions.
- Carriage rides cost approximately $72 for the first 20 minutes.
New York City is moving to ban horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park following the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who fell from a runaway carriage. Mahajan's family was visiting from India when the incident occurred. The horse bolted while the driver was taking a photograph of the passengers, leading to the teen's fatal fall as he attempted to help his mother, who also fell. This incident has intensified calls from animal welfare groups and the Central Park Conservancy to end the attraction, citing numerous horse-related incidents and concerns over animal welfare. The Central Park Conservancy manages the 843-acre park and has argued that horses can no longer safely share roads with motorized scooters and other park users. The carriage industry, represented by the Transport Workers Union Local 100, has suspended operations to review safety protocols. The owner of the carriage involved has suspended the driver and plans to retire the horse.