A recent tragedy in New York City has reignited the intense debate surrounding the safety and ethics of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old visitor from India, lost his life during what was meant to be a celebratory family vacation. The incident has intensified pressure on city officials to permanently ban the controversial tourist attraction.
The Mahajan family had traveled to the United States to celebrate Romanch’s high school graduation and his recent acceptance into college. Their itinerary included iconic landmarks like the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty. On the third day of their trip, the family embarked on a carriage ride through Central Park. As the tour neared its conclusion, the driver reportedly stepped away from the carriage to take a commemorative photo of the family. During this brief moment, the horse became spooked and bolted. In the ensuing chaos, Romanch’s mother, Priya, was thrown from the vehicle. Romanch jumped out to assist her but sustained a fatal head injury upon impact with the pavement. He passed away at a local hospital that evening.
The runaway carriage eventually overturned after colliding with another vehicle. While Romanch’s father, Deepak, his brother, Maanik, and his mother survived, they were treated for minor physical injuries alongside the immense emotional trauma of the event.
The Transport Workers Union Local 100, the organization representing carriage operators, has distanced itself from the driver’s actions. Vice President Alexander Kemp emphasized that drivers are strictly prohibited from leaving their horses unattended to take photographs. The union has called for a comprehensive investigation into the operator’s conduct. Following the accident, the carriage owner suspended the driver, and the horse involved was retired from service.
This fatal accident is the latest in a series of disturbing incidents involving carriage horses in Manhattan. Earlier this month, a horse died after consuming a poisonous plant within the park. Other recent mishaps include a carriage collision last month and an incident in January where a startled horse ran into active city traffic, striking several cars. These recurring events have led many to question whether a busy urban environment is a suitable workplace for large animals.
Deepak Mahajan has voiced his hope that his son’s death will lead to meaningful change, stating that the preventable accident destroyed his son’s future and the family’s dreams.
The Growing Momentum to Phase Out Horse-Drawn Carriages
Animal rights advocates have campaigned for years to end horse-drawn tours, citing the inherent dangers of mixing unpredictable animals with heavy city traffic and loud noises. Critics argue that the sensory overload of New York City streets creates an inhumane and high-stress environment for the horses, which can lead to the very type of “bolting” behavior seen in this tragedy.
While horse-drawn carriages have been a fixture of the city for 150 years, Romanch’s death marks the first passenger fatality of its kind. However, the Central Park Conservancy, which oversees the park’s operations, notes that safety issues are becoming more frequent. The organization reported eight horse-related incidents since the spring of 2025 alone. According to the Conservancy, the current layout of the park—shared by cyclists, runners, and pedestrians—is no longer compatible with horse-drawn vehicles, calling the industry an “antiquated” practice that poses an unacceptable risk to public safety.
Political momentum is also shifting. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently indicated that the city council is looking for a way to transition the industry toward a permanent end while protecting the livelihoods of the workers involved. This “just transition” would aim to modernize the park’s offerings while removing the risks associated with live animals in crowded spaces.
Before this tragedy, a legislative proposal known as “Ryder’s Law” was already being considered to ban the carriages. In honor of the victim, Council Member Christopher Marte announced the bill would be renamed “Romanch’s Law.” Supporters of the bill argue that the extreme weather conditions and high-traffic environments are fundamentally unsafe for both the animals and the public. The City Council is expected to deliberate on the legislation this summer.
In contrast, some stakeholders are pushing for reform rather than a total ban. Alternative legislation has been introduced that suggests improving working conditions and installing permanent hitching posts. Industry supporters argue that these posts would allow drivers to secure their horses properly, preventing them from bolting. Labor unions maintain that the carriages are a vital piece of New York’s cultural heritage and provide essential income for small business owners and drivers.
Evaluating the Future of Central Park’s Iconic Tradition
The death of Romanch Mahajan has transformed the discussion around New York City’s horse-drawn carriages from a matter of animal welfare into a critical public safety crisis. As the City Council prepares to vote on Romanch’s Law, New York faces a difficult choice between preserving a century-old tourist tradition and addressing the modern realities of city safety. For many, the recent string of accidents suggests that the era of horses on Manhattan’s streets may be reaching its inevitable conclusion in favor of safer, more humane alternatives for both tourists and animals alike.
