New York mayor, other leaders push to ban horse-drawn carriage rides after teen tourist’s death
New York Mayor and Leaders Advocate for Horse-Drawn Carriage Ban Following Teen's Death
New York mayor other leaders push - The tragic death of a 18-year-old tourist who leapt from a speeding horse-drawn carriage in Central Park has reignited discussions about banning the historic attraction from one of New York City’s most iconic landmarks. Romanch Mahajan, 18, succumbed after disembarking from the four-wheeled carriage as the horse bolted through the park without the driver. This marks the first fatality in a horse carriage accident since their introduction over 150 years ago, according to the labor union representing carriage operators and the Central Park Conservancy.
Authorities cited the incident as the eighth horse-related accident in the park within the past 13 months. The Conservancy, alongside advocates, urged immediate action to halt the carriage industry until improved safety measures could be implemented. “The evidence is clear: collisions, uncontrolled escapes, horse fatalities, and injuries have all been documented,” said Edita Birnkrant, a leader of the animal welfare group New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets. “This latest tragedy is particularly heartbreaking.”
“The record is undeniable: crashes, runaways, horse deaths, injuries, and now a devastating loss of human life,” said Edita Birnkrant, head of the animal welfare group New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets.
Animal rights activists have long criticized the carriage industry for overworking the animals, citing their vulnerability to startling on city streets and the poor conditions of their stables. Carriage owners, however, dismissed these allegations, claiming the horses are well-treated and the stables are adequate. The Conservancy argued that the park’s pathways, crowded with joggers, cyclists, pedestrians, and motorized scooters, now pose significant risks to horses.
Industry leaders countered that the fatal accident underscores the need for better safeguards, not the total removal of the traditional rides that evoke a nostalgic image of New York’s past. “We’re absolutely gutted and stunned by this tragedy,” remarked Alexander Kemp, a vice president with the Transport Workers Union Local 100, representing drivers and operators. “We’ve closed the stables and paused operations today while reviewing safety protocols.”
The incident occurred during a family trip celebrating Romanch Mahajan’s recent high school graduation. His father, Deepak Mahajan, recounted that the family had arrived from India on Monday, the same day Romanch learned he had been accepted to a university in Jaipur. They had visited attractions like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge before taking the ride. The driver, distracted by a photo, hopped off near a fountain, leaving the horse to surge forward.
Romanch’s mother fell from the carriage, prompting the teen to jump out in an attempt to rescue her. “He was screaming, ‘Mom!’” Deepak Mahajan shared with The New York Times. The carriage then collided with another vehicle before overturning. The father, his wife, and younger son sustained minor injuries. “This incident should be taken very seriously,” the father said. “It took my son’s dream away.”
Following the tragedy, New York City officials pledged swift action to phase out the industry. City Council Speaker Julie Menin announced a planned hearing on a pending bill aimed at banning horse carriages and assisting drivers in transitioning to new careers. Last year, the Conservancy revived the debate by endorsing Ryder’s Law, which seeks stricter regulations for the industry. Mayor Zohran Mamdani echoed this stance, vowing to collaborate with stakeholders to ensure a fair transition while prioritizing safety.
Horse-drawn carriage rides, priced at around $72 for the initial 20 minutes, were suspended on Thursday. The operator of the carriage involved in the fatal crash has indefinitely suspended the driver and plans to retire the horse from service