Horse-drawn carriage operations in Central Park are expected to resume this week after a voluntary suspension prompted by the death of a teenage tourist.
Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old visitor from India, was killed last week after a horse pulling a carriage carrying him and his family bolted through the park, authorities said.
Mahajan’s father told The New York Times the teen jumped down to try to help his mother after she fell from the carriage, hitting his head on the ground.
What You Need To Know
Horse-drawn carriage operations in Central Park are expected to resume this week after a voluntary pause following a fatal incident
Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old visitor from India, was killed last week after a horse pulling a carriage carrying him and his family bolted through the park, authorities said
Transport Workers Union Local 100 says all carriage drivers are undergoing retraining on safety protocols
A vigil for Mahajan is scheduled Monday at Cherry Hill Fountain in Central Park
Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents carriage drivers and owners, suspended operations after the incident while conducting an internal review of safety procedures.
“We continue to keep the family of Romanch Mahajan in our prayers. Words can’t express the enormity of this tragedy. We are taking the first steps to address safety issues,” the union said in a statement.
The union said it has been implementing a series of safety measures, including retraining all carriage drivers on existing rules and protocols. Training sessions have been focused on maintaining control of carriage horses and ensuring drivers follow safety procedures at all times.
The union said training activities would move into Central Park on Monday using horse-drawn carriages, though no passenger tours would be conducted.
The union is also calling for increased oversight from the city, asking the Department of Health — which administers the licensing test for drivers — to conduct regular inspections and enforcement checks.
The department should ensure drivers are in their seats holding the reins before passengers board, while passengers are in the carriage and while they are exiting, the union said.
Drivers waiting between rides must either remain in the driver’s seat with control of the reins or stand at the horse’s head with a lead rope attached to the bridle, it added.
The union also said idle horses should be tethered when possible, urging the city to identify locations for additional hitching posts.
Meanwhile, advocates, community members and elected officials are expected to gather Monday morning at Cherry Hill Fountain in Central Park for a vigil honoring Mahajan.
During the event, organizers plan to read a statement from Mahajan’s family. City Council Member Christopher Marte is also expected to announce that legislation previously known as Ryder’s Law will be renamed Romanch’s Law in honor of the teenager.