Rome, Italy. Fireworks set off without permission during a late-night rehearsal for Italy’s Republic Day parade startled dozens of horses in Rome, causing them to bolt through the capital and injuring several riders, police said.
Rehearsal incident
The unexpected bangs shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Friday caused panic among ceremonial horses, some carrying riders and others being led by hand.
Horses run through the city
Around 35 horses fled onto the busy Via Cristoforo Colombo, where some drivers recorded them as they galloped down the road. The last horse was recovered at dawn about 14 kilometres from the scene.
Injuries reported
Several riders were thrown. A 22-year-old soldier suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung but was not in life-threatening condition. About 15 horses were injured, and none was put down.
Police reaction
Mario De Sclavis, commander of Rome’s police force, told Corriere della Sera that the incident “discredits the image of the Corps and its officers”.
Location of the fireworks
The fireworks were set off near the ancient Baths of Caracalla, where mounted units from the army, the Carabinieri paramilitary force and police were rehearsing for the annual June 2 parade. Officials said a municipal policeman from the traffic emergency unit had lit a battery of fireworks about 200 metres from the horses.
