NEW YORK (Diya TV) — An 18-year-old tourist from India died after a horse-drawn carriage accident in New York City’s Central Park, authorities said. The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of carriage rides and sparked fresh calls to end the long-debated industry.
Police said the young man was riding in a horse-drawn carriage with three other passengers when the accident happened. According to reports, the carriage driver stepped away from the horse to take a photograph of the group. Moments later, the horse suddenly bolted. As the horse ran, it struck another carriage. The collision caused the carriage to overturn. Video footage from the scene showed the horse falling after the crash.
Emergency crews responded quickly. They transported the critically injured teenager to a nearby hospital. However, doctors later pronounced him dead. The three other passengers escaped without serious injuries and did not require medical treatment. The tragic incident shocked visitors and residents alike. Moreover, it has intensified debate over horse-drawn carriage operations in one of New York City’s most famous landmarks.
Alexander Kemp, a vice president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, criticized the driver’s actions. He said drivers should never leave their horses unattended.
“It appears the driver was at least at arm’s length from his horse,” Kemp told local media.
He added that drivers must remain in control of their horses at all times. Furthermore, he supported a full investigation into the incident. Authorities have not released additional details about the investigation. However, officials continue to review the circumstances that led to the crash. The fatal accident came only days after another incident involving a carriage horse in Central Park. Last week, a horse named Deniz died after eating a toxic plant, according to preliminary autopsy findings.
As a result, animal welfare advocates have renewed criticism of the horse-drawn carriage industry. For years, activists have argued that the rides place horses in stressful and potentially dangerous situations. Horse-drawn carriages remain a popular attraction for tourists visiting Central Park. Nevertheless, opponents say the practice no longer fits a modern city environment.
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed support for removing horse-drawn carriages from the park. His position aligns with activists who want city leaders to phase out the industry. Following the latest accident, several local lawmakers also called for action.
New York City Council member Shahana Hanif described the recent incidents as heartbreaking. She said they highlight safety concerns for both horses and people.
“These incidents are not isolated,” Hanif wrote on X.
She urged city officials to pass Ryder’s Law, a proposal that would gradually eliminate horse-drawn carriage rides in New York City. The legislation would stop the city from issuing new carriage licenses and would phase out existing operations over two years.
Supporters of the proposal argue that the change would improve public safety while protecting animal welfare. They also advocate programs that would help workers transition into other jobs. Meanwhile, New York City Council member Harvey Epstein said he was horrified by the fatal accident. He noted that both people and horses have suffered injuries linked to the industry over the years.
“Time and again, we are seeing both horses and people suffer the consequences of an industry that poses serious risks to public safety and animal welfare,” Epstein said in a statement.
