Horse-drawn carriage rides in New York on hold after teen tourist's death

Published
June 21, 2026
Outcome
Fatal
Location
New York City, New York
Central Park
View on map
Incident type
Fall

Summary

Fall Injury New York City New York in New York City, New York: An 18-year-old tourist from India, Romanch Mahajan, died after jumping from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park in New York when the horse bolted without its driver. The carriage driver had hopped off to take a photograph of the family near a fountain when the horse suddenly sprinted away. Mahajan's mother fell out of the carriage, and the teen jumped out in an attempt to save her, striking his head. He is believed to be the first person to die in a horse carriage accident in Central Park since the rides were introduced more than 150 years ago. Horse carriage rides in Central Park were suspended pending safety protocol review.

Publicly reported parties

Name Role Status
Romanch Mahajan Unknown Fatal
Mahajan's mother Unknown Injured
Central Park carriage operators Unknown Unknown

Original reporting

Horse-drawn carriage rides in New York on hold after teen tourist's death | KSL.com

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