New York Tragedy

$105M Suit Over Fatal Carriage Accident

Lawsuit claims stray electrical current caused horse to bolt while driver photographed family, leading to death of 18-year-old visitor from India

Bianca Jones

AUG 17, 2026 13:40

2 min read

Family Files $105 Million Lawsuit Over Fatal Central Park Horse Carriage Accident

The family of Romanch Mahajan, an 18-year-old who died in a horse carriage accident in New York's Central Park, has filed a $105 million lawsuit against New York City. According to the legal claim, a stray electrical current startled the horse, causing it to bolt and triggering the fatal incident.

The family, visiting from India, alleges that the teenager was thrown to his death after the horse panicked from electrical voltage while the carriage driver had stepped away to photograph the family. The runaway carriage collided with another carriage before overturning, causing Mahajan to fall and sustain fatal injuries.

"This was a preventable accident," said Sagar Chadha of Liaqas Law Firm, representing the bereaved family. "The allegations set forth in the notice of claim describe a preventable tragedy that came after years of warnings, prior incidents, and failures to implement basic protective measures."

The incident has reignited debate over horse carriage operations in New York City. The Central Park Conservancy expressed shock at the young man's death and renewed calls to ban the carriages, noting this marks the eighth horse-related incident in the Central Park area over the past 13 months.

The lawsuit raises serious questions about the city's responsibility in overseeing carriage operations and the safety measures in place. The family contends that the city ignored repeated warnings and failed to implement adequate measures to prevent such accidents.