An 18-year-old tourist, Romanch Mahajan, died in Central Park after jumping from a runaway horse-drawn carriage that had gone out of control.

The incident, believed to be the first fatal carriage accident in the park in over 150 years, has renewed calls to ban the rides entirely.

The Central Park Conservancy and animal welfare groups argue the growing number of incidents shows the attraction is unsafe for both people and horses.

Carriage industry representatives say the tragedy highlights the need for improved safety measures rather than ending the tradition, the AP has reported.

Operations were temporarily suspended after the crash, and the driver involved has been removed from duty while investigations continue.