Statement from TWU Local 100 on the Death of Romanch Mahajan During Central Park Carriage Ride

JUNE 18, 2026—TWU Local 100 Administrative Vice President Alexander Kemp made the following statement in the aftermath of Wednesday's fatality in Central Park. 

We’re absolutely gutted and stunned by this tragedy. We’ve never had a fatal accident like this before. We have shuttered the stables and ceased operations today while we have extensive internal discussions of safety protocols and how they can be improved.

The union supports the ongoing investigation and the reforms outlined in Intro 937, a bill introduced last week by Councilman Jim Gennaro. Intro 937 is a horse welfare and job protection bill that calls for, among other things, hitching posts throughout the park so drivers could tether and secure their horses, which could include locations where tourists often want to stop to take photos (such as in this tragic situation).

Intro 937 would implement immediate common-sense reforms, including:

• Installing hitching posts to ensure horses always have safe places to be secured.

• Increasing carriage driver training and implementing more rigorous testing of driver applicants.

• Improving how the city takes temperature readings so that carriage service can be halted more quickly and efficiently on hot days, while also freeing up police resources.

• Updating service hours so horses could leave stables earlier on summer weekdays when the temperatures are cooler, allowing staggered shifts and reduced carriage traffic departing the stable.

• Commencing a regular study to establish horse health best practices and proposals to improve the carriage industry. After several incidents involving different modes of transportation, we think there needs to a comprehensive review of all vehicles, including pedicabs, e-bikes, carriages, and any motor vehicles in the park.