Teenager dies after being thrown from horse-drawn carriage in New York City

An 18-year-old tourist, Romanch Mahajan, tragically died on Wednesday after being thrown from a horse-drawn carriage in New York City's Central Park. The incident occurred when the horse bolted after its driver dismounted to take a photograph, an action reportedly against regulations. Mahajan, visiting from India with his family, was critically injured after hitting his head on the sidewalk and later succumbed to his injuries at a hospital.

The runaway carriage, carrying Mahajan and three other passengers, including his family, subsequently toppled after colliding with another carriage. While other family members sustained minor injuries, reports indicate Romanch may have attempted to help his mother when she fell from the carriage.

This fatal accident has reignited ongoing debates regarding the safety and ethics of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park, with calls from various groups for their complete ban. The driver has been suspended, and the horse involved is slated for retirement from service.