18-Year-Old Passenger Dies After Horse Carriage Overturns in NYC Central Park

NEW YORK (CNA/Agencies) – An 18-year-old man died in New York City's Central Park on Wednesday after a horse-drawn carriage overturned, police confirmed. The victim was thrown from the vehicle and later succumbed to his injuries.

According to the Associated Press, the incident occurred shortly before 3 PM. The 18-year-old was one of four passengers in the carriage. When the horse lost control, at least two passengers were ejected from the vehicle.

New York police stated that the man suffered 'severe trauma after falling from the carriage' and was pronounced dead at the hospital, AFP reported. The exact circumstances of the crash remain under investigation.

Local media footage showed a white carriage overturned, appearing to have collided with another carriage. Reports indicated the horse became spooked and escaped after the driver had stepped off the vehicle.

The Transport Workers Union, which represents carriage industry workers, noted that the driver had gotten off to take a photograph for the passengers—an action that is strictly prohibited.

This fatal accident comes just one week after another horse in Central Park died from consuming toxic plants, as confirmed by a preliminary necropsy.

While horse-drawn carriages remain a popular attraction for tourists, they have long faced criticism from animal rights groups alleging mistreatment. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has previously voiced his support for removing carriages from Central Park.