A carriage horse caused significant disruption in the heart of New York City last week after breaking free and charging into oncoming traffic.
Chaos on a Busy Manhattan Thursday
The incident occurred on Thursday, 8 January 2026, in the bustling Midtown area. The horse, a 25-year-old named Destiny, was left unattended for a moment when it was reportedly startled by a fast-moving electric bicycle.
Spooked, the animal bolted directly into the flow of busy traffic. Witnesses described a scene of chaos as the horse galloped through multiple lanes, narrowly avoiding pedestrians and causing drivers to swerve.
Collision and Vehicle Damage
During its runaway rampage, Destiny collided with a yellow taxi cab. The New York Police Department confirmed that the incident resulted in damage to four or five vehicles in total.
Despite the dramatic nature of the event, authorities reported a fortunate outcome: neither the horse nor any members of the public sustained injuries. The NYPD has stated that an investigation into the circumstances remains open.
Return to Duty After the Ordeal
Following the incident, Destiny was safely recovered. Remarkably, the horse has since returned to its regular duties pulling carriages in Central Park, a iconic but sometimes controversial fixture of New York tourism.
The event has reignited discussions among city residents and officials about the safety and regulation of horse-drawn carriages in dense urban environments, particularly concerning interactions with modern traffic like e-bikes.
