VOI World/ Desk
An 18-year-old Indian teenager died after trying to save his mother during a horse carriage accident in New York City’s Central Park, according to reports.
Romanch Mahajan was visiting New York with his family on their first trip to the city when the incident took place on Wednesday. The family had stopped to take photographs when the horse suddenly bolted, causing the carriage to veer onto the sidewalk and speed across the park.
According to the victim’s father, Deepak Mahajan, the family held on to one another during the chaos. However, when his wife Priya was thrown from the carriage, Romanch jumped down in an attempt to help her.
“My son, just to save his mother, he fell off,” his father was quoted as saying.
Witnesses said the horse became frightened and ran at high speed. Romanch suffered a head injury and was taken to hospital, where he later died. His parents and younger brother escaped with minor injuries.
The accident has renewed concerns over the safety of horse-drawn carriages in New York City. The union representing carriage drivers said drivers should never leave the carriage unattended to take photographs and supported a full investigation into the incident.
Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident. The tragedy has drawn attention both in the United States and among the Indian community abroad.
