Calls Grow to Ban Horse-Drawn Carriages in Central Park After Tourist Death

NEW YORK — Calls to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park are growing louder after a tragic accident this week left an 18-year-old tourist dead and renewed scrutiny over one of New York City’s oldest tourist attractions.

The incident happened during what was supposed to be a sightseeing ride through Central Park when the horse reportedly became startled and bolted with the Mahajan family inside.

According to reports, 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who was visiting from India with his family to celebrate his high school graduation, died after jumping from the runaway carriage to help his mother, who had been thrown from the ride.

Witnesses said the carriage driver had briefly stepped away to take a photo of the family when the horse suddenly ran off. The carriage eventually crashed into another coach before tipping over.

The fatal incident marks the first human death tied to Central Park’s horse-drawn carriage industry in more than a century, but it comes amid a series of recent horse-related accidents.

Animal rights advocates and city leaders say the tragedy highlights long-standing concerns about public safety and horse welfare.

Christopher Marte said the city can no longer delay action.

“We had a death two days ago,” Marte said. “Are we going to wait for another death or are we going to take action today?”

Supporters of a ban point to at least eight horse-related incidents over the last 13 months, including horse collapses and driver injuries.

But those in the carriage industry argue banning the rides would hurt dozens of small business owners who have operated in the park for generations.

Christina Hansen, representing carriage drivers through the Transport Workers Union, called the accident devastating and defended the tradition as part of New York’s history.

For many tourists and locals, horse-drawn carriages remain a signature part of the Central Park experience.

Still, political momentum may be shifting. Zohran Mamdani has signaled openness to working with the city council and labor unions to phase out the practice while protecting workers.

For the Mahajan family, what was meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York has turned into tragedy, with their son now remembered at a memorial bench in Central Park, a quiet marker in the middle of a stormy civic debate.