Teenager dies after horse-drawn carriage falls in Central Park
An 18‑year‑old man died when he fell from a horse‑drawn carriage in New York City, police said. The tourist was riding with three other passengers when the driver left the carriage to photograph the group, and the horse bolted, colliding with a second carriage before toppling.
The young man received critical injuries and was pronounced dead at the hospital; the other three passengers were unharmed. Police and the Transport Workers Union Local 100 said the driver “was at least arm’s length from his horse” and condemned the act as “unacceptable.” A full investigation is underway.
The incident follows a week earlier when a carriage horse died after eating a toxic plant in Central Park. The death of the horse, named Deniz, was confirmed by an autopsy, raising further doubts about the safety of the industry.
Animal‑rights activists have long criticized horse‑drawn carriages for the risks they pose to both horses and humans. New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has announced support for eventually removing the carriages from the park.
City council member Shahana Hanif called the crash a “heartbreaking reminder” that horse‑drawn carriages pose dangers, and urged passage of “Ryder’s Law,” a bill that would stop issuing new carriage licenses and phase out rides within two years. Harvey Epstein echoed the sentiment, saying the city can’t ignore such tragedies.
The change would also compel workers to transition to other jobs. The UN suggests that a phased‑out approach can help protect both animals and workers’ livelihoods.
