New York Officials Push to End Horse Carriage Industry After Indian Teen's Fatal Accident in Central Park

An 18-year-old Indian teenager, Romanch Mahajan, died in Central Park after a horse-drawn carriage bolted from its driver on June 18, 2026. Mahajan and his family had arrived in New York from India that day to celebrate his high school graduation and his acceptance to a university in Jaipur. While the family was on a carriage ride—unwinding after visiting popular city attractions—the driver left to photograph them. The carriage then bolted, and Mahajan jumped out after his mother fell, striking his head fatally on the ground. His father, Deepak Mahajan, told the New York Times his son was screaming "Mom!" as he tried to save her. The rest of the family sustained minor injuries, though their carriage collided with another horse-drawn vehicle and toppled over.

The Central Park Conservancy confirmed that Mahajan's death is believed to be the first human fatality involving a horse carriage since the rides were introduced to Central Park more than 150 years ago. The incident has reignited long-standing debate over the safety of the industry. The conservancy noted eight horse-related incidents in Central Park over the past 13 months and called for the industry to be suspended until stronger safety protections are established, arguing that "if any other activity in the Park posed a comparable risk to visitors, it would be suspended immediately."

New York City leaders have committed to ending the 150-year-old industry. City Council Speaker Julie Menin stated "The time to act is now," and council leaders announced they will hold a hearing next month on Ryder's Law, a bill that would ban horse carriages and assist drivers in transitioning to new employment. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who campaigned on this position last year, pledged to work with the council, the industry, and animal welfare advocates to "deliver a just transition that protects workers while ending horse-drawn carriages in Central Park once and for all."

The carriage company involved has suspended the driver indefinitely and will retire the horse from service. The Transport Workers Union Local 100, representing carriage drivers and owners, expressed shock at the tragedy, stating "We've never had a fatal accident like this before" and temporarily ceased operations to discuss improved safety protocols. The union had previously opposed industry wind-down efforts but has now backed the proposed legislation that would establish safer hitching posts throughout the park. Horse carriage rides, which cost approximately $72 for the first 20 minutes, were not operating in the park as of Thursday.