A recent incident in Central Park has raised concerns about the safety of horse-drawn carriages. An 18-year-old was critically injured when a horse bolted away from its driver, sending at least two passengers flying out of the carriage.

The accident occurred just before 3 p.m. when the driver dismounted to take a photograph of his passengers. The horse, which had been in the park for only six weeks, sprinted through the park, causing the cab to topple over after clipping the wheels of another carriage.

Investigation and Reaction

A full investigation into the incident is being supported by the Transport Workers Union, which represents carriage industry employees. The union’s administrative vice president, Alexander Kemp, stated that a driver should never leave the carriage to take photos, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.

The Central Park Conservancy, a nonprofit that operates the park, has called for an end to the horse-drawn carriage industry, citing the dangers posed to park visitors, carriage drivers, and the horses themselves. This incident follows several recent horse-related problems in the park, including the fatal collapse of a horse last week.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.