New questions emerge over what may have led to Central Park deadly horse carriage accident

New questions emerge over what may have led to Central Park deadly horse carriage accident By Eyewitness News Thursday, July 30, 2026 3:24AM New questions have emerged about whether stray voltage may have contributed to a carriage horse accident in Central Park that killed a teenager. NEW YORK CITY (WABC) -- New questions have emerged about whether stray voltage in Central Park's Cherry Hill area contributed to the June 17 accident that killed pedestrian Romanch Mahajan after a carriage horse suddenly bolted.

Carriage stable owner Cornelius Byrne said he asked Con Edison to inspect the area on July 16 and later received a text from a utility employee stating, "We found the problem and cut the power."

Since then, power has been shut off to the Cherry Hill fountain, nearby lampposts and lights leading to Tavern on the Green. The area has been blocked off with caution tape and signs warning of a "possible electrical condition" as crews from Con Edison and city agencies investigate.

Con Edison confirmed it detected "very low levels of stray voltage" on July 16 and July 23 but said neither originated from its equipment and referred questions to the New York City Parks Department.

Byrne testified at a recent City Council hearing that the carriage horse Samson "acted as if he was electrocuted" and said the area contains extensive underground electrical infrastructure. Some carriage drivers also reported horses acting unusually nervous at Cherry Hill before the crash.

Transport Workers Union Local 100 urged officials to complete the investigation before considering legislation to ban horse-drawn carriages.

The Central Park Conservancy said electrical issues are outside its jurisdiction but supports the investigation. The organization reiterated its call to ban horse-drawn carriages, citing eight carriage-related incidents in Central Park over the past 13 months.

"We maintain our call for a ban oncarriages to protect public safety in Central Park," the Central Park Conservancy said in a statement.

The family of Mahajan made an emotional plea to ban horse carriage rides in in the city during a Council hearing on "Romanch's Law" two weeks ago.

If passed, the legislation would phase out the iconic Central Park attraction following a series of serious incidents, including a fatal crash last month.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: ABC7 New York. Open at source →