Tragic Incident in Central Park: Indian Tourist Dies After Horse Carriage Accident

Details of the Incident

A tragic event unfolded in New York's Central Park when an 18-year-old Indian tourist, Romanch Mahajan, lost his life after falling from a horse-drawn carriage. The incident occurred while he was on a carriage ride with his parents, who were visiting the city. According to family members, the horse became startled and bolted unexpectedly, prompting Romanch to leap from the carriage in an effort to assist his mother, who had already fallen out.

Romanch's father, Deepak Mahajan, recounted the harrowing moment, stating, "We were yelling, 'Help me, help me!'" He explained that his wife, Priya, fell as the carriage sped away. In a desperate attempt to save her, Romanch jumped out, calling out for his mother. Unfortunately, he sustained a serious head injury during the fall and was rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center, where he was later declared dead.

Reports indicate that the carriage driver had stepped away to take a family photo when the horse took off. Footage circulating online shows the driver chasing after the runaway carriage as it veered off the sidewalk and onto the grass, leading to the tragic accident.

The incident is currently under investigation. The union representing carriage drivers has stated that leaving a carriage unattended is against their regulations. Alexander Kemp, vice-president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, emphasized that drivers must never leave their carriages for any reason, including taking photographs. The driver involved has been suspended while the investigation is ongoing, and the horse, named Sampson, has been retired from service. This tragic event has reignited discussions about the safety of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, with renewed calls for legislative measures like Ryder's Law, aimed at improving the welfare of carriage horses.