A family vacation to New York turned tragic after 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan lost his life while trying to rescue his mother during a horse-drawn carriage accident in Central Park. The teenager, who was visiting the city with his parents and younger brother, suffered fatal injuries after jumping from a runaway carriage when his mother fell onto the road.
The incident has drawn international attention, with many describing Romanch's actions as an act of courage and selflessness. It has also reignited debate over the safety of New York City's iconic horse-drawn carriage rides.
How did the accident happen?
The Mahajan family was enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park when the driver briefly stepped away to take a family photograph. During that moment, the horse suddenly bolted, causing the carriage to speed through the park uncontrollably.
As the carriage lurched forward, Romanch's mother, Priya Mahajan, was thrown from the vehicle. Witnessing this, the teenager jumped from the moving carriage in an attempt to help her. During the chaos, he fell and suffered a severe head injury.
Who was Romanch Mahajan?
Romanch Mahajan was an 18-year-old student from India who had recently completed high school and was visiting New York with his family. The trip marked his first visit to the city and was meant to be a celebratory family vacation. Before the accident, the family had toured several major attractions, including the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
His father later told NDTV that Romanch's instinct was to help his mother the moment she fell from the carriage.
What happened after the crash?
The runaway carriage collided with another carriage before overturning. Emergency responders rushed to the scene and Romanch was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries later that night.
His parents and younger brother escaped with relatively minor injuries.
Driver suspended, investigation underway
The incident has triggered an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. The carriage driver's decision to step away from the horse has come under scrutiny. According to the reports of NDTV, with industry representatives stating that drivers are not supposed to leave their horses unattended. The driver has since been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The horse involved, named Sampson, has been retired from service.
Indian tourist dies after carriage horse bolts at central park in NYC pic.twitter.com/oRC2joaXPv
— Diamond Feed (@DiamondFeedX) June 18, 2026
Renewed debate over horse-drawn carriage safety
According to the report of NDTV, the tragedy has renewed calls from lawmakers, activists and safety advocates to phase out horse-drawn carriage rides in New York City. According to the Central Park Conservancy, several horse-related incidents have been reported in or around the park in recent years, prompting concerns about both public safety and animal welfare.
As investigations continue, Romanch's death has become the focal point of a broader discussion about the future of the city's century-old carriage industry.
FAQs
Who was Romanch Mahajan?
Romanch Mahajan was an 18-year-old Indian student visiting New York with his family on vacation.
How did the accident occur?
A horse-drawn carriage reportedly became uncontrollable after the horse bolted while the driver was taking a family photograph.
