A tourist who died in a freak New York City horse-drawn carriage accident this week was apparently trying to save his mother.
Romanch Mahajan, 18, was killed on Wednesday in Central Park when he fell from the carriage after the horse bolted away from its handler, who had disembarked to take a photo of Mahajan and his family.
The dead teen’s father, Deepak Mahajan, told the New York Times the family was visiting the Big Apple from India, celebrating the 18-year-old’s recent high school graduation.
The dead teen had jumped after his mother, who had fallen from the carriage as the horse lunged forward and sprinted through the popular mid-Manhattan park.
Both Mahajan and his mother were thrown onto the paved pathway as the carriage careened away, with the teen landing on his head.
The out-of-control carriage soon collided with a second carriage a short distance away, toppling both carriages and sending the horses to the ground.
First death related to Central Park horse carriages
Mahajan’s mother, as well as his father and younger brother who managed to stay in the carriage, managed to escape with minor injuries.
Mahajan is believed to be the first person killed by a horse-drawn carriage accident in Central Park.
Alexander Kemp, vice-president of the Transport Workers Union (TWU) Local 100, who represent the 300 horse-drawn carriage drivers in Central Park, said carriage rides through Central Park have been halted while an investigation is carried out.
“We’re absolutely gutted and stunned by this tragedy. We’ve never had a fatal accident like this before,” read a statement.
“We have shuttered the stables and ceased operations today while we have extensive internal discussions of safety protocols and how they can be improved.”
He also said drivers aren’t permitted to disembark their carriages to take photos, the carriage driver involved has been indefinitely suspended, and that the horse involved in the crash will be retired from service.
The union also reiterated a bill is currently making its way through New York City Council that would mandate the installation of hitching posts throughout the park to allow drivers to secure their horses and permit tourists a safe means to take photos.
