New york: Horse-drawn carriage rides in New York City's Central Park have been temporarily suspended following the death of an 18-year-old tourist in a runaway carriage accident, media reports said on Friday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the suspension was announced by the Transport Workers Union (TWU), which stated that rides would remain halted until at least Tuesday while safety procedures are reviewed. The incident involved Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old visitor from India, who was riding in a carriage with his family when the horse suddenly took off 'for unknown reasons' after the driver stepped away to take a photograph.

The carriage collided with another carriage and overturned, leading to Mahajan's death at a hospital, while other family members sustained minor injuries. "Our hearts go out to the family of Romanch Mahajan," stated TWU Local 100 Administrative Vice President Alexander Kemp. "Words can't express the enormity of this tragedy. We are taking the first steps towards addressing safety issues," he added.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident. The carriage driver has been suspended, and the horse involved has been retired from service, as confirmed by the union. This accident has reignited calls from advocacy groups and some elected officials for a permanent ban on horse-drawn carriage rides in the park.

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin has announced hearings in July on proposed legislation that would prohibit horse-drawn carriage operations in parks beginning in 2028.