Accidents and Incidents
During the time period from January 1, 2016 – January 1, 2024, there have been over 160 carriage industry incidents recorded by the City of Charleston. A number of these violated the law.
Accidents Since 2016
During the time period from January 1, 2016 – January 1, 2024, there have been over 160 carriage industry incidents recorded by the City of Charleston. A number of these violated the law.
According to City policy, the police are NOT required to be called to the scene of a carriage-related accident/incident. No witnesses are required to give a statement of what they saw. Please be aware that these reports are often filled out by barn managers who are typically not present at the time of the incident/accident or are filled out by drivers of the wagon.
Additionally, the information provided comes from the City of Charleston’s Tourism Department records.
An Accident/Incident can Include More Than One Category
View All Accidents/Incidents
INCIDENT 160
While on tour the carriage wagon clipped a car that was illegally parked at the corner of State Street.
INCIDENT 159
While on tour, the carriage wagon backed into a car at the intersection of Meeting Street and Broad Street.
INCIDENT 158
While on tour, the carriage horse misstepped and the wheel hub of the carriage wagon made contact with a car.
INCIDENT 157
While attempting to pass a trash truck, the carriage wagon driver had to maneuver to avoid the door the driver of the trash truck was opening. The carriage wagon then got too close to a car and hit the driver’s side mirror on the car.
INCIDENT 156
As a carriage wagon carrying 10 passengers was leaving the barn and heading south on Anson Street, a bolt fell from the D-Ring shackle bolt on the left side trace chain, causing the leather trace to swing freely. The trace connects the harness to the carriage wagon. The free left trace caused the singletree to swing freely, making contact with the horse’s leg. The horse spooked and bolted down Anson Street to North Market with the carriage in tow. As the horse turned to the right on North Market, the carriage wagon ran into a stationary red Nissan car. Then the left shaft broke and the carriage wagon hit a bollard in front of Market Building B causing the carriage wagon to stop. The horse fell to his hocks causing abrasions on the right and left legs. The police and emergency service came to the scene. Three passengers were taken to the hospital with minor injuries. The horse was examined by the equine manager and then taken to the Old South farm and a vet was called to check the horse. The horse sustained superficial scrapes to his lower legs and was to rest at the farm.
INCIDENT 155
While pulling a carriage wagon on an evening tour, the horse On report tripped and fell down. The driver reported that the uneven ground was the reason the horse tripped and fell. The horse stood up immediately. Shortly after that as the tour continued, the horse spooked briefly so the driver ended the tour and brought the horse back to the barn for the night. (There is no mention of anyone checking the horse)