Indian teen dies in Central Park horse carriage accident
An 18-year-old Indian tourist, Romanch Mahajan, died after falling from a horse-drawn carriage in New York City's Central Park. The incident occurred when the horse bolted after the driver stepped away to take a photograph, leading to a chain of events that resulted in the fatal accident. The tragedy has reignited calls to ban horse-drawn carriages in the city.
Key Highlights
- Indian teen Romanch Mahajan died in Central Park carriage accident.
- Horse bolted after driver stepped away to take photos.
- Tragedy sparks renewed calls to ban NYC horse carriages.
- Mahajan reportedly died trying to save his mother during the incident.
- This is believed to be the first passenger fatality in Central Park's carriage history.
An 18-year-old Indian tourist, Romanch Mahajan, tragically lost his life in a horse-drawn carriage accident in New York City's Central Park on June 17, 2026. The incident occurred when the horse pulling the carriage bolted, leading to the carriage overturning and Mahajan being thrown out, sustaining a fatal head injury. His family was visiting New York from India for the first time, marking Romanch's high school graduation. According to reports, Romanch attempted to save his mother after she fell from the carriage as it began to overturn. The driver had reportedly stepped away from the carriage to take a photograph of the family, which is a violation of industry protocol. The horse, identified as Sampson, bolted for unknown reasons, clipped another carriage, and then overturned. Romanch was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center where he was pronounced dead. The rest of his family sustained minor injuries and declined further medical treatment. This incident is believed to be the first passenger fatality in the history of Central Park's horse-drawn carriage operations, which began over 150 years ago. The tragedy has intensified the debate surrounding the future of horse-drawn carriages in New York City, with animal rights groups, city officials, and lawmakers renewing calls for a ban on the industry. A proposed bill known as Ryder's Law, aimed at phasing out the industry, has gained further momentum and is being considered for reintroduction, with one councilman planning to rename it "Romanch's Law." In the aftermath of the accident, horse carriage rides in Central Park were temporarily suspended for safety reviews and mandatory driver training. The Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100, representing the carriage drivers, emphasized the need for improved safety protocols and stated that drivers are never supposed to leave a carriage unattended to take photos. The driver involved in the incident was suspended, and the horse was retired from service. The Central Park Conservancy, which previously supported a ban on horse-drawn carriages, stated that the incident underscored the public safety risks posed by the industry. The incident also occurred shortly after another carriage horse had died in the park due to consuming a poisonous plant. This combined with Mahajan's death has strengthened the argument for proponents of the ban, highlighting concerns about both animal welfare and public safety. The family of Romanch Mahajan has expressed their deep grief and stated that his death was a "tragic and preventable" result of safety violations and systemic failures. They have requested a permanent memorial to honor Romanch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Romanch Mahajan?
Romanch Mahajan was an 18-year-old Indian tourist who tragically died after falling from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park, New York City.
What caused the Central Park horse carriage accident?
The accident occurred when the horse pulling the carriage bolted after the driver stepped away to take a photograph of the passengers. The horse then collided with another carriage, causing it to overturn and the passengers to be thrown out.
Has this incident led to any changes regarding horse-drawn carriages in Central Park?
Yes, the tragedy has intensified calls for a ban on horse-drawn carriages in New York City. Horse carriage rides were temporarily suspended for safety reviews and mandatory driver training, and legislative efforts to phase out the industry have gained momentum.
Is this the first death related to horse-drawn carriages in Central Park?
Reports indicate that Romanch Mahajan's death is believed to be the first passenger fatality in the history of Central Park's horse-drawn carriage operations, which have been in place for over 150 years.