Eighteen-year-old Romanch Mahajan died after a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park went out of control on Wednesday afternoon, when the horse bolted after the operator stepped away to take a photo. Emergency crews responded, witnesses described a ch
A sightseeing trip in New York City turned into something nobody in Central Park was prepared for.
Eighteen-year-old Romanch Mahajan died after a horse-drawn carriage ride went sideways on Wednesday afternoon. He was traveling with family members when authorities say the horse was startled and bolted through the park. Witnesses described the carriage racing out of control before colliding with another carriage and overturning.
During the incident, the crash reportedly threw Mahajan from the carriage. He suffered a severe head injury and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from those injuries.
Bystanders described the moments after as chaotic. Emergency crews rushed to the scene as people called 911 and tried to help. Family members were visibly shaken while responders worked to provide aid.
Central Park officials later confirmed that the horse involved, a 7-year-old named Sampson, did not suffer any injuries.
As the news spread, Mahajan’s death reignited debate over New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry. Officials from the Transit Workers Union criticized the carriage operator’s actions, saying operators are not supposed to leave their horses unattended to take photos.
Activists. lawmakers. and animal welfare advocates have also renewed calls to ban horse-drawn carriages altogether. pointing to safety concerns for both passengers and the horses. They referenced the broader pattern of incidents involving carriage horses—coming just days after another carriage horse reportedly collapsed and died in Central Park.
Romanch Mahajan Central Park horse-drawn carriage New York City Sampson transit workers union animal welfare 911