The death of an Indian teenager during a horse-drawn carriage ride in New York City's Central Park has sparked a renewed debate over the future of the city's iconic tourist attraction.
An 18-year-old tourist, Romanch Mahajan, was visiting New York with his family when a horse pulling their carriage suddenly bolted, leading to his death in a fatal accident.
The carriage driver had stepped away to take a photograph of the family when the horse bolted, according to reports.
The tragedy has strengthened efforts by opponents of the horse-carriage industry to secure passage of Ryder's Law, which seeks to gradually phase out New York City's horse-drawn carriage industry.
City Councilman Christopher Marte, who is sponsoring legislation to ban carriage horses citywide, said the latest incident underscored the need for immediate action.
Manhattan Council Speaker Julie Menin is expected to hold a hearing on the proposal in July.
