A tragic incident has occurred in New York's Central Park, where an 18-year-old teenager has died after being thrown from a horse-drawn carriage. The incident happened just before 3pm on Wednesday when the horse suddenly bolted away from its driver, sending several passengers flying to the ground.
The teenager was riding in the carriage with three other passengers, two of whom were sent flying out of the careening cab. The driver had reportedly dismounted to take a photograph of his passengers, which is against the rules.
The horse had only been in the park for six weeks, according to the Transport Workers Union, which represents carriage industry employees. The union is calling for a full investigation into the incident, citing growing concerns about safety in the park.
Central Park's 150-year-old horse-drawn carriage industry has long been a popular tourist attraction, but it has also faced criticism from opponents who say the rides are inhumane to horses and a danger to city residents. The Central Park Conservancy, a non-profit organisation that operates the park, has come out in support of banning horse-drawn carriages, citing the recent fatal collapse of a horse and the latest incident.