New York City sued for $105M over fatal Central Park carriage accident

The family of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old tourist from India, has filed a $105 million notice of claim against New York City and several municipal agencies following a fatal horse carriage accident in Central Park.

The legal filing alleges that a “stray voltage” issue at the site spooked the horse, causing it to bolt while the driver was taking a photograph of the family. The incident occurred on June 17, when Mahajan jumped from the carriage to assist his mother after she was thrown from the vehicle; he subsequently struck his head and died.

The claim names Con Edison and various city departments, including the Departments of Parks and Recreation, Transportation, and Consumer and Worker Protection, alleging they failed to address known electrical hazards. Con Edison stated it had observed low levels of stray voltage in the area but determined it did not originate from its equipment.

The tragedy has intensified political momentum for the “Romanch Mahajan Bill,” a piece of legislation currently being considered by the New York City Council that would phase out horse-drawn carriage rides in the city by June 2028.