Central Park horse carriage rides have been halted until at least Tuesday, the union representing drivers said Friday, following the death of 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who died Wednesday after jumping from a runaway carriage.
Alexander Kemp, administrative vice president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, said in a statement Friday that the union’s “hearts go out to the family” of Mahajan. “Words can’t express the enormity of this tragedy,” Kemp said.
Mahajan died after he jumped from the carriage as its horse sprinted through the park without the driver, hitting his head during the fall, according to accounts from officials.
Kemp described the death as a “tragedy” and said the union was “taking the first steps towards addressing safety issues.” He said at a news conference Friday that the union is developing new safety training protocols with feedback from horse carriage operators. The protocols are expected to be rolled out next week, and about 200 carriage owners and drivers will be required to follow them, Kemp said.
Among the safety measures under review is how to maintain control of the carriage horses at all times, Kemp said.
The suspension of rides will remain in effect at least through Tuesday, the union said.