Indian Teenager Dies in Central Park While Trying to Save Mother

New York: An 18-year-old Indian teenager, Romanch Mahajan, tragically died in New York's Central Park after falling from a horse-drawn carriage while attempting to save his mother. The incident occurred during a family carriage ride when the horse unexpectedly bolted, leading to a fatal chain of events.

According to police, the family had stopped near Cherry Hill in Central Park for a photograph. The carriage driver stepped away from the horse to take the picture, during which the horse suddenly ran off, colliding with another carriage and overturning.

Romanch’s father, Deepak Mahajan, recounted that his wife fell from the carriage as it began to topple. In a bid to rescue her, Romanch jumped down and suffered a severe head injury. He was rushed to New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center but was declared dead later that evening. The rest of the family sustained minor injuries.

The Mahajan family, visiting from India to celebrate Romanch’s recent high school graduation and admission to Manipal University Jaipur, had been touring iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge before the accident.

Witnesses described the carriage continuing uncontrollably after the horse bolted, hitting another carriage before breaking apart. The driver’s decision to leave the horse unattended has drawn sharp criticism from the carriage drivers’ union. "A driver is not supposed to leave the carriage to take photos: ever," said Alexander Kemp, vice president of Transport Workers Union Local 100. The driver has been suspended pending investigation, and the horse, a seven-year-old named Sampson, will be retired from service.

The incident has reignited debates over the safety of horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. Lawmakers and activists have called for the passage of Ryder’s Law, which seeks to phase out the industry within two years. "These incidents are not isolated," said New York City Council member Shahana Hanif. Another council member, Harvey Epstein, expressed horror at the tragedy, emphasizing the risks posed to both people and animals.

The Central Park Conservancy also expressed its condolences, calling the death "devastating" and criticizing the continued operation of horse-drawn carriages in such a busy public space.

The Mahajan family, shattered by the loss, described the trip as one meant to celebrate Romanch’s achievements. "This was supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime family trip. This incident took my son’s dream away," said his grieving father.