Eight horse-related incidents
The tragedy has reignited the debate over the safety of New York’s horse-drawn carriage industry.
Alexander Kemp, vice president of the Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents trolley drivers, said the incident should never have happened.
“It appears the driver was at least an arm’s length from his horse. This is unacceptable,” Kemp said. “A driver should never leave the carriage to take pictures – ever.”
The driver has been suspended indefinitely pending an investigation.
The accident also renewed calls to ban horse-drawn carriages in Central Park. City Councilman Christopher Marte, who has introduced legislation to phase out the industry, said the latest tragedy underscored the need for urgent action.
According to the Central Park Conservancy, at least eight horse-related incidents have been recorded in or near the park since May 2025.
But for the Mahajan family, the debate over stroller safety now has a far more personal cost — the loss of a son who died trying to save his mother.
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