Authorities in New York are investigating a tragic incident in Central Park involving the death of 18-year-old tourist Romanch Mahajan, following a runaway horse carriage accident that has sparked serious questions about safety procedures and operator conduct.

According to early investigative reports, the carriage driver involved has been suspended after allegations that he briefly left his ᴀssigned position moments before the horse became uncontrollable. The horse, identified as Sampson, reportedly bolted onto a sidewalk at high speed, leading to a fatal crash.

Officials are currently examining whether a breach of operational safety rules contributed to the incident, including whether leaving the carriage unattended violated required protocols for handling horse-drawn transport in public areas.

At this stage, investigators are reviewing witness statements, operational logs, and any available surveillance footage to determine the exact sequence of events. Authorities have not yet released a final conclusion regarding liability or whether additional charges may be filed.

The incident has raised broader concerns about safety standards in urban carriage operations, where strict rules are typically enforced to prevent accidents involving both pᴀssengers and pedestrians.

While initial reports suggest possible human error, officials emphasize that the investigation is still ongoing and no final determination has been made.