The family of Romanch Mahajan, 18, is advocating for "Romanch's Law" to ban New York City's horse-drawn carriage industry following his death on June 16. The family shared their harrowing experience at a City Council hearing, describing the moments before their carriage horse bolted. "I want you to imagine what it is like watching your son die in front of you," said Deepak Mahajan, Romanch's father, speaking via Zoom.
According to the family, the carriage driver had stopped to take a photo when the horse suddenly became spooked and began to run. Romanch Mahajan died after he jumped from the moving carriage in an attempt to save his mother, who had fallen out. He sustained a head injury upon impact with the ground and was later pronounced dead.
"I cannot properly describe to you the real true fear inside that carriage. It was shaking, it was speeding, there was no one holding the reins, and we could do nothing but hold onto each other and scream," Romanch's father recounted. His aunt also spoke, tearfully sharing the profound grief that has enveloped their family.
Council Member Christopher Marte is slated to introduce legislation that would phase out horse-drawn carriages by June 1, 2028. The incident has reignited debate surrounding the century-old industry in Central Park, with opponents citing animal welfare concerns and safety risks to the public.
Industry representatives argue that the accident highlights the need for enhanced safety measures, such as hitching posts. Christina Hansen, a spokesperson for TWU Local 100, stated that efforts are ongoing to ensure the carriages remain "the safest form of transportation in Midtown, Manhattan."
Romanch Mahajan's death is reportedly the first fatality linked to the carriage rides in over a century, according to the labor union representing the industry and the Central Park Conservancy. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has expressed support for the bill's intent but raised concerns about its potential economic impact on those employed in the industry.
Gaurv Mahajan, the victim's uncle, questioned the cost of preventing future tragedies, asking City officials, "What does it take? What's the cost? What's the price to make sure this never happens again? We've already paid the price with the loss of our child."
The rides were temporarily suspended following the incident but resumed about a week later. Drivers participated in meetings and discussions with union representatives during the shutdown.
This hearing is a preliminary step before the City Council considers a full vote on the proposed bill. The incident follows other recent horse-related issues in Central Park, including the death of a horse named Deniz on June 9, which reportedly collapsed after ingesting toxic foliage from a Japanese Yew plant. Source reports indicate this was confirmed by the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
