A family vacation in New York City took a devastating turn this week after a sightseeing trip ended in tragedy. Eighteen-year-old Romanch Mahajan died after a carriage ride through Central Park went sideways. And, the incident reportedly left witnesses in shock as his loved ones face their difficult loss.
RELATED: Prayers Up! Fans Share Heartbreak After ‘Lilo & Stitch’ Actress Daveigh Chase Passes Away At Age 35
Mahajan’s Family Sightseeing Trip Turns Into Terrifying Ordeal
According to reports, Romanch Mahajan was riding in a horse-drawn carriage with family members on Wednesday afternoon when the horse was startled and bolted through Central Park. Authorities say the carriage operator had stepped away from his position near the horse to take a photo of the passengers when the animal took off. Witnesses described seeing the horse race through the park as the carriage sped out of control before ultimately colliding with another carriage and overturning. During the incident, the crash reportedly threw Mahajan from the carriage, causing him to suffer a severe head injury.
Bystanders Rush To Help As Tragedy Unfolds
Emergency crews rushed to the scene as shocked bystanders called 911 and tried to help. Mahajan was taken to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Witnesses describe the scene as chaotic, with family members visibly shaken as emergency teams worked to provide aid. Officials later confirmed that the horse, a 7-year-old named Sampson, did not suffer any injuries during the incident.
Critics Renew Push To End Horse Carriages
The tragedy has since reignited debate surrounding New York City’s horse-drawn carriage industry. Transit Workers Union officials criticize the driver’s actions. They said carriage operators are not supposed to leave their horses unattended to take photos. Meanwhile, activists, lawmakers, and animal welfare advocates have renewed calls to ban horse-drawn carriages altogether, arguing that recent incidents involving carriage horses highlight ongoing safety concerns for both passengers and animals. The accident comes just days after another carriage horse reportedly collapsed and died in Central Park.
