Horse Carriage Rides Halted in Central Park Amid Safety Review

Horse carriage rides in Central Park are suspended until Tuesday as the drivers’ union reviews safety protocols following the death of a young tourist. The tourist, Romanch Mahajan, jumped from a runaway carriage. Alexander Kemp, administrative vice president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, expressed condolences to Mahajan’s family. He emphasized the importance of revising safety measures.

The tragedy occurred when Romanch Mahajan, 18, hit his head after leaping from the carriage. The union is taking initial steps to tackle safety concerns. Maintaining carriage horse control is among the protocols under review.

Kemp announced that new safety training will be implemented with input from carriage operators. About 200 owners and drivers must adhere to these guidelines. According to the union and Central Park Conservancy, Mahajan’s death is the first of its kind in over 150 years of carriage operations in the park.

Mahajan, visiting from India with his family, celebrated his recent high school graduation with a carriage ride. His father recounted to The New York Times that the horse bolted unexpectedly when the driver momentarily stepped away for a photo. Romanch’s mother was thrown from the carriage. Romanch jumped, trying to assist her.

The Central Park Conservancy called for a halt to the carriage industry until enhanced protections are enacted. Mahajan’s death is the eighth horse-related incident in 13 months, underscoring safety concerns. The conservancy highlighted the challenges of mixing horses with joggers, cyclists, pedestrians, and scooters, citing similar bans in cities like Chicago and San Antonio.

Carriage industry leaders argue for improved protections rather than elimination of horse-drawn carriages, which evoke a romanticized image of New York. Mayor Zohran Mamdani supported ending the industry, promising to work on a transition plan that safeguards workers. Past mayors, such as Bill de Blasio and Eric Adams, expressed similar intentions but faced opposition.

Kemp stressed the union’s commitment to enhancing safety and preventing future accidents in collaboration with the City. The union backs increased driver oversight, enforcing rules requiring drivers to remain seated during rides, and ensuring idle horses are tethered. Animal welfare activists argue that carriage horses endure poor conditions and are easily spooked. Carriage owners have denied these allegations, asserting proper care and adequate stables.