In brief
On June 16 a 18-year-old man fell from a horse-drawn carriage while tourists watched in Central Park. Video shows the horse bolt and collision that toppled the carriage. The driver was reportedly taking a photo before the accident, prompting union officials to call for investigation. The incident follows a recent death of a carriage horse, prompting city officials to consider phasing out the rides under Ryder’s Law. Local council members urge reforms to protect both passengers and horses.
An 18‑year‑old tourist from India was riding in a horse‑drawn carriage in Central Park when the driver stepped away to take a photo. The horse bolted, clipped another carriage and toppled over, sending the teenager plummeting to the ground.
The boy was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. The other three passengers were not injured enough to require treatment.
“It appears the driver was at least at arm’s length from his horse,” said Alexander Kemp, a vice president of the Transport Workers Union Local 100. “This is unacceptable… we support a full investigation.”
The tragedy came a week after a carriage horse named Deniz died after eating a toxic plant. The incident fuels calls for ending the horse‑drawn carriage industry. Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed support for removing the carriages from the park.
City Council member Shahana Hanif urged: “These incidents are not isolated. We must pass Ryder’s Law, end this outdated industry, and ensure a just transition for workers.”
Under the bill, New York would stop issuing new carriage licences and phase out rides over two years.
