Tragic Central Park Incident Sparks Debate on Horse Carriage Safety

The Mahajan family was three days into their first New York City vacation when their visit turned tragic. Deepak Mahajan spoke to NBC News on Friday about his son Romanch, who passed away after falling from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park.

Their 10-day trip to the United States was meant to celebrate Romanch’s high school graduation and acceptance into a university in India. Along with his parents, Priya and Deepak, and his younger brother, Maanik, Romanch looked forward to exploring Central Park.

On Wednesday, they opted for a horse-drawn carriage ride, a hallmark experience in the park. The excursion, lasting about 45 minutes, included scenic stops for photos, explained Deepak Mahajan.

“We never knew that this was the last day of his life,”

As the ride neared its end, the driver paused to photograph the family. At that moment, the horse unexpectedly bolted. Romanch fell from the carriage, hitting his head. According to the family, he was trying to save his mother as she also fell. Emergency personnel rushed the 18-year-old to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. The relatives sustained minor injuries.

“My son was over six feet tall, handsome, and highly intelligent,” Mahajan reflected, emphasizing the deep loss felt by the family.

Romanch’s uncle, Guarav Mahajan, highlighted Romanch’s sincere and helpful nature, regardless of familiarity with those in need.

Romanch aspired to become an entrepreneur post-university. He often discussed his innovative ideas with his father and uncle.

In response to the incident, New York City’s Central Park halted horse carriage rides. The Transport Workers Union declared a temporary cease in operations, pending discussions about improving safety protocols.

The union reported that the driver stood an arm’s length from the horse when it dashed off for unknown reasons. Video footage obtained by NBC News captured the horse racing through the park, eventually colliding with another carriage.

Union official Alexander Kemp stated that drivers should not leave carriages to take photos. The involved driver now faces suspension, and the horse, recently introduced to Central Park, is retired.

“Our hearts go out to the family of Romanch Mahajan,”

Deepak Mahajan advocates for stronger safety regulations to spare others from similar heartbreak. “There should be measures to prevent families from losing loved ones,” he insisted.

The Consulate General of India in New York has reached out to support the Mahajan family. According to historical records, Romanch’s passing is likely the first fatality connected to a horse carriage in Central Park’s lengthy existence.

This incident has prompted renewed efforts to ban horse-drawn carriages, a sentiment echoed by several animal rights groups and officials who recognize the dangers such rides pose in a busy public area.

New York City Council member Christopher Marte introduced a bill to prohibit horse-drawn carriages. Highlighting the risks, he emphasized that any sudden distraction could endanger many.

The Central Park Conservancy noted eight horse-related events in the past year, underscoring the hazards. Recently, a 16-year-old carriage horse, Deniz, died from ingesting a toxic plant.

The conservancy and others back Ryder’s Law, a local proposal seeking to ban the practice and help drivers transition to new jobs. Meanwhile, another bill introduced last week seeks to reform the industry by installing hitching posts to securely tether horses at popular photo stops.