Horse-drawn carriage overturns in Central Park collision, driver hurt

CENTRAL PARK (WABC) -- A driver was hurt after two horse-drawn carriages collided in Central Park on Monday afternoon.

One horse carriage pulled up to the 7th Avenue line when the horse became startled and collided with another horse carriage, causing it to overturn.

The driver of the overturned carriage was briefly trapped and then taken to a hospital by ambulance.

According to a member of the Transportation Workers Union (TWU), which represents carriage drivers, a horse hitched to one carriage became startled and collided with another horse carriage, causing that rig to overturn.

The horse was released from the overturned carriage but was never loose or ran away. No other injuries were reported.

Otis, the horse, was not pulling any riders through Central Park when the accident happened.

Christina Hansen with TWU Local 100 said anothe horse got spooked and knocked Otis' carriage onto its side.

"There was a horse that was dropping off customers at the end of the line, and the horse, startled, pulled out of the line, crossed wheels, and the other carriage took the carriage over," Hansen said.

It does not appear Otis was injured in the accident, but a vet was called to have him checked out.

Animal rights groups argue this is yet another reason why riders should be banned

"We're trying to get these horses off the street. It's not safe. It's too hot out here...this has been going on for a long time. This is just one of many. And people are getting hurt. In the past, even passengers have gotten hurt," said Tiffany Thomas with NYCLASS.

There are rules to protect to horses, which are popular with tourists.

PETA Director Ashley Byrne responded to the incident in New York City saying, "Today's horse-drawn carriage accident in the city is more of the same. Fortunately, no one was killed this time, but history tells us there will be a next time as long as horses are forced to navigate and endure the stress and chaos of New York City traffic, crowds, and noise. It's past time for the New York City Council to pass Ryder's Law and end this dangerous, archaic industry before the next carriage overturns, the next horse collapses, or the next person gets seriously hurt or killed."

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