A tragic incident in Central Park has claimed the life of an 18-year-old tourist after a horse-drawn carriage he was riding in overturned . The accident occurred just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday when horse,named Sampson,bolted away from its driver, throwing Romanch Mahajan to the ground . He was rushed to Weill-Cornell Medical Center but succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
Mahajan, visiting from India, suffered a severe head injury during fall. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene as the horse galloped through the park,with passengers screaming in terror. Video footage captured the moment the carriage collided with another carriage,leading to its overturning near Tavern on the Green.
Three other passengers in the carriage refused medical treatment after incident. The driver had dismounted to take a photograph of the group when the horse broke free,a violation of safety protocols, who emphasized the need for enhanced training and stricter regulations for new horses, stated, “A driver is not supposed to leave the carriage to take photos - ever.”
The horse appeared uninjured following incident. However, the event has reignited debates surrounding safety of horse-drawn carriages in park,which has faced increasing scrutiny from animal rights advocates . PETA's Director,Ashley Byrne,called for immediate legislative action,stating, “From collapsing horses to careening carriages, how many more disasters have to strike before we get these beleaguered horses out of park?”
This incident follows a series of troubling events involving horses in Central Park. Just last week, another horse named Deniz collapsed and died after consuming a toxic plant. The Central Park Conservancy expressed deep sorrow over Mahajan's death,reiterating its call for a ban on horse-drawn carriages,citing public safety concerns.
City Council Member Shahana Hanif remarked on the recent tragedies,emphasizing that they highlight dangers posed by horse-drawn carriages . She urged for the passage of Ryder's Law,which aims to phase out the use of horses in city. Councilman Christopher Marte has also reintroduced this legislation,advocating for a transition away from horse-drawn carriages to ensure safety for both animals and people.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani described the incident as “horrific” and expressed his intention to collaborate with various stakeholders to find a solution that addresses both animal welfare and the livelihoods of carriage drivers. mayor's comments come amid growing pressure to reform the carriage industry,which has been under scrutiny for its treatment of horses and safety practices .
As the investigation into the accident continues, future of Central Park's horse-drawn carriage industry hangs in the balance,with advocates on both sides of the debate calling for immediate action to prevent further tragedies.
