NYC carriage horse industry on pause after teenage tourist death in Central Park

Published
June 19, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
New York City, New York
Central Park
Incident type
Fall, Crash

Summary

Car Crash New York City New York in New York City, New York: On Wednesday, an 18‑year‑old tourist from India named Romanch Mahajan was killed in Central Park after being thrown from a horse carriage that had become runaway when the driver exited to take a picture. The collision caused blunt force trauma and resulted in Mahajan’s death, making him the first fatality in the service since it began over 150 years ago. TWU Local 100 suspended operations immediately, shuttering stables and halting all carriage rides while conducting internal safety reviews. The incident has intensified calls for new safety protocols and a potential phase‑out of the horse‑carriage industry in Central Park.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Romanch Mahajan Passenger Fatal

Original reporting

NYC carriage horse industry on pause after teenage tourist death in Central Park

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