diff --git a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_minecarts/init.lua b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_minecarts/init.lua
index 8d4a280a1..ee3dce438 100644
--- a/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_minecarts/init.lua
+++ b/mods/ENTITIES/mcl_minecarts/init.lua
@@ -87,6 +87,7 @@ local function register_entity(entity_id, mesh, textures, drop, on_rightclick, o
 		local data = minetest.deserialize(staticdata)
 		if type(data) == "table" then
 			self._railtype = data._railtype
+			self._passenger = data._passenger
 		end
 		self.object:set_armor_groups({immortal=1})
 
@@ -231,9 +232,11 @@ local function register_entity(entity_id, mesh, textures, drop, on_rightclick, o
 			end
 		-- Make room in the minecart after the mob dies
 		elseif self._passenger then
-			dead = self._passenger:check_for_death()
-			if dead == true then
-				self._passenger = nil
+			if math.random(1,20) > 1 then
+				local dead = self._passenger:check_for_death()
+				if dead == true then
+					self._passenger = nil
+				end
 			end
 		end