The tragic death of an 18-year-old has reignited the debate over horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. On June 17, Romanch Mahajan fell off a carriage and passed away, marking the first known human fatality related to such accidents in the park.

A temporary shutdown of the rides lasted six days, initiated by the drivers’ union to ensure safety. Rides resumed on Tuesday amid tensions and public scrutiny. The death has fueled efforts to ban horse carriages in New York City.

Christina Hansen, representing the carriage drivers’ union, encountered hostility earlier this week. While tending to her horse, Joker, a man accused the drivers of animal abuse and filmed them. Hansen reported the confrontation to the police, and the man departed.

The push for a ban includes a City Council hearing set for next month. The hearing will discuss a bill, proposed before the incident, aiming to end horse-drawn carriages by June 2028. City Council Speaker Julie Menin confirmed this upcoming discussion.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani released a statement promising to collaborate with various stakeholders, including union partners, carriage drivers, and animal welfare advocates. This cooperation seeks a fair transition that safeguards workers and concludes horse-drawn carriage operations in the park.