The Mahajan family’s first trip to New York turned tragic on its third day. Deepak Mahajan recounted the sudden loss of his son Romanch, who died after falling from a horse-drawn carriage in Central Park. This trip was a celebration of Romanch’s recent graduation and acceptance to a university in India.

On that Wednesday, Romanch, along with his father, mother Priya, and 11-year-old brother Maanik, decided to explore Central Park using its iconic horse-drawn carriages. During the 45-minute ride, the driver stopped the carriage several times to capture family photos in scenic spots, according to Deepak Mahajan.

Late in their ride, while the driver stepped away to snap a picture, the horse suddenly bolted. Romanch fell from the carriage, hitting his head on the pavement as he tried to assist his mother. Emergency services rushed the 18-year-old to a hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries. The rest of the family sustained minor injuries.

Deepak Mahajan described his son as a tall, handsome, obedient, and intelligent young man. His uncle, Guarav Mahajan, added that Romanch was a sincere and helpful teenager, keen on becoming an entrepreneur with many innovative ideas.

Following Romanch’s death, horse carriage rides in Central Park were halted. The Transport Workers Union, representing the city’s horse carriage drivers, stated that operations were paused for discussions on enhancing safety protocols. It remains uncertain when these services will resume.

The Mahajan family during their horse-carriage ride in Central Park. From left, Priya, Romanch, Deepak, and Maanik.

Footage from NBC News shows the horse, still attached to its carriage, running wildly across the park and eventually colliding with another carriage, causing passengers to fall. Alexander Kemp from the Transport Workers Union noted the driver should not have left the carriage to take photos. As a result, the driver faced suspension, and the horse, relatively new to the park, was retired.

Deepak Mahajan called for stricter safety measures to prevent similar occurrences. The Consulate General of India in New York has reached out to the Mahajan family, offering support.

According to the Transport Workers Union and Central Park Conservancy, Romanch’s death marks the first carriage-related human fatality in the park’s 150-year history. The incident has sparked renewed advocacy for banning the horse-drawn carriage industry within the park, a position supported by animal rights activists, some officials, and the Conservancy.

The Central Park Conservancy’s spokesperson described Romanch’s death as a tragedy they feared could happen due to the industry’s inherent risks to public safety. New York City Council member Christopher Marte, who has moved to ban these carriages, emphasized the danger posed by these rides to both people and horses in such a bustling environment.

In the past 13 months, Central Park has witnessed eight horse-related incidents. Recent events include the death of Deniz, a 16-year-old carriage horse. Advocates for banning carriages support Ryder’s Law, legislation that would not only cease the practice but also offer career transitions to affected drivers.

Simultaneously, Kemp indicated union support for an alternative bill promoting reforms aimed at enhancing horse welfare and driver job protection, featuring suggestions like installing hitching posts across Central Park to help drivers secure their horses more effectively during tourist stops.