18-year-old killed after horse carriage crashes in Central Park

NEW YORK – An 18-year-old was killed after a horse carriage crashed in Central Park on Wednesday.

Central Park horse carriage crash

What we know:

The crash happened around 2:45 p.m., according to the NYPD, near 71st Street and Central Drive.

When police got to the scene, they found an 18-year-old man who had fallen from the carriage. First responders took him to the hospital in critical condition, where he was later pronounced dead.

Video obtained by FOX 5 NY showed the aftermath of the crash, with the carriage on its side, and the front wheels and horse harness ripped off the front of the cab.

What we don’t know:

Officials are investigating the cause of the crash.

What they’re saying:

The Transport Workers Union of America sent the following statement regarding the incident:

“We are devastated that a passenger died after injuries suffered today in the accident in Central Park, and our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family. Safety in the park has been a growing concern among many, and improvements are needed to be made with respect to all vehicles, including e-bicycles, delivery vehicles, pedicabs and horse-drawn carriages.

It’s our understanding that the carriage owner has suspended the driver indefinitely and the horse will be retired from the business.”

After Wednesday’s crash, animal rights organizations like PETA called for New York City to eliminate horse-drawn carriages. 

“From collapsing horses, to careening carriages, how many more disasters have to strike before we get these beleaguered horses out of the park,” PETA’s statement read.

PETA shared a video on its Instagram page on Wednesday, claiming to show the crash. In the video, the horse can be seen galloping off with the carriage, hitting a curb and sending the carriage bouncing into the air. At least one person is chasing after it. The video also appears to show one person falling out of the back of the carriage.