New York mayor, other leaders push to ban horse-drawn carriage rides after teen tourist’s death

Death of young tourist Runaway jumped from horse carriage Officials in Central Park have intensified calls to ban the old-time attraction in one of New York City’s most recognizable destinations.

18-year-old Romanch Mahajan died after getting off a four-wheeler as his horse I ran through the park without driver.

He is believed to be the first person to die in a horse-drawn carriage accident since horse-drawn carriages began being used in Central Park more than 150 years ago, according to the labor union representing the industry and the Central Park Conservancy, which manages the 341-hectare (843-hectare) park.

Conservatives were among those arguing Thursday that the transportation industry should be suspended until more protections are in place. The group said Mahajan’s death was the eighth horse-related incident at the park in the past 13 months.

“The record is undeniable: accidents, runaways, horse deaths, injuries and now the devastating loss of human life,” said Edita Birnkrant, president of the animal welfare group New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets.

Animal rights advocates have long said carriage horses are overworked, easily spooked on city streets and live in inadequate stables while their drivers regularly violate city rules. Horse and carriage owners denied all these allegations, saying that the animals were well cared for and the stables were in good condition.

Other U.S. cities, including Chicago and San Antonio, have also recently abandoned nostalgia rides, the conservancy said, arguing that horses can no longer safely share parkways filled with runners, cyclists, pedestrians and motorized scooters.

But transportation industry leaders said the fatal crash underscores the need for better protection, not the complete elimination of the quaint charm that evokes a romantic, bygone New York.

“We are absolutely heartbroken and stunned by this tragedy,” said Alexander Kemp, vice president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, the labor union that represents auto drivers and vehicle owners. “We have closed the stables and ceased operations today while we hold extensive internal discussions about safety protocols and how they can be improved.”

Horse carriages were not operating on Thursday, and it was not yet clear when the carriages, which cost about $72 for the first 20 minutes, would resume.

The owner of the car involved in the fatal accident has also suspended the driver indefinitely and plans to retire the horse from the business, according to the union. It was stated that the driver got out inappropriately to take photos of his passengers.

Celebrating high school graduation turns tragic

Mahajan had recently been on a family trip to celebrate his high school graduation when the family decided to ride in one of the richly decorated cars that are often photographed at the park.

His father Deepak Mahajan told New York Times the family had arrived from India on Monday; The day Romanch found out that he had been accepted to a college in Jaipur.

They had spent the trip visiting many of the city’s popular attractions, including the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.

Mahajan said the carriage driver was jumping in to take a photo of the family near a fountain when the horse suddenly bolted.

According to his father, Romanch’s mother fell out of the car and the teenager jumped out to save her.

“’Mother!’” Deepak Mahajan told the Times. ” he was shouting.

But Romanch hit his head on the ground before the car hit another horse-drawn vehicle and eventually overturned. The father, his wife and his little son survived the accident with minor injuries.

“This incident should be taken very seriously,” Mahajan said. “He took my son’s dreams away.”

Vehicle owners and drivers fear the end of their livelihoods

New York City leaders vowed to work quickly to end the industry following Romanch’s death.

City Council President Julie Menin said the legislature will hold a hearing next month on a long-gestating bill that would ban horse-drawn carriages and help drivers transition to new jobs.

Park conservation last year Wagon debate reignited When you first threw your support behind what was known as Ryder’s Law.

“Now is the time to act,” X wrote on his social platform.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani also reiterated his support for ending the industry, saying the council would work with industry and animal welfare advocates to “ensure a just transition that protects workers while ending horse-drawn carriages in Central Park for good.”

Other mayors made similar statements. Mayor Bill de Blasio promised in office to shut down the industry on “Day One” but faced years of council opposition. Mamdani’s predecessor, Mayor Eric Adams, opposed the industry toward the end of his term.

Onur Altıntaş, who owns four horses and a carriage operating in Central Park, was among those who were concerned about the end of their livelihood. He said the industry provides hundreds of jobs for drivers, grooms, farriers and others working in horse-related jobs.

Altıntaş said, “We are sorry for what happened. Nobody wants this. But there is no such thing as this happening every day.” “There are car crashes and plane crashes every day. A horse crashes and the world is destroyed? Come on.”

The longtime owner and driver said the industry needs better regulations to make it safer. He said “90%” of horse-related accidents could be prevented by installing hitching posts throughout the park so riders could safely tether and secure their horses, including at popular tourist photo stops.

The Transport Workers Union said on Thursday: recently passed legislation Getting on the council would do just that.

Altıntaş said, “Drivers cannot get out of the vehicle. They must always be in the vehicle.” “But that’s impossible. We have to go to the toilet. We have to eat. We have to do something.”

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