Urgent: Spooked Carriage Horse Bolts Through Central Park
UPDATE: A carriage horse named Bambi caused chaos in Central Park after bolting with no driver at the reins around 11:15 a.m. today, prompting urgent discussions on the future of horse-drawn carriages in New York City. Eyewitnesses described the scene as terrifying, with a crowd near Bethesda Fountain screaming as the frightened horse ran.
Authorities report that Bambi was resting in her stall in Hell’s Kitchen later in the day, appearing unharmed but awaiting a vet’s evaluation. This incident marks the third time this year that a carriage horse has taken off in Central Park, raising significant safety concerns among residents and advocacy groups.
Witness Danielle Chin captured the aftermath, stating, “The carriage driver was sprinting behind the runaway horse and empty carriage. Three passengers had managed to escape.” She expressed gratitude that the horse didn’t collide with any pedestrians, noting, “There were so many tourists and children around; it was really terrifying.”
Carriage driver and TWU Local 100 Shop Steward Christina Hansen confirmed that the driver of the carriage experienced shock but was uninjured. Hansen pointed to a loud garbage truck passing too closely as a potential trigger for Bambi’s panic, emphasizing, “We just don’t know yet. What we do know is the horse is okay.”
The incident has reignited calls from NYClass, a prominent advocacy group, to ban horse-drawn carriages altogether. Their spokesperson, Edita Birnkrant, stated, “This latest close call should spur the city council to pass Ryders Law, which would phase them out over about two years.” A council spokesperson confirmed that the bill is still under review, but Birnkrant urged immediate action, saying, “Speaker Adrienne Adams must stop blocking this bill and let it move forward before someone is killed.”
In a recent shift, the Central Park Conservancy has also expressed support for Ryders Law, a notable change after years of neutrality. They believe that safety measures must be enhanced in the increasingly crowded park, a sentiment echoed by many following today’s alarming event.
The carriage drivers argue that if they are to remain, clearer signage is needed to ensure pedestrian safety as they share park drives with visitors. “We want to keep everyone safe while still preserving this part of New York’s charm,” Hansen stated.
As police continue their investigation into the causes of this frightening incident, it remains to be seen how it will affect the future of horse-drawn carriages in New York City. Residents and tourists alike are left shaken, calling for urgent reforms to ensure the safety of both animals and people in one of the city’s most beloved parks.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
