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Unauthorized fireworks in Rome are believed to have caused a chaotic stampede among horses during a late-night rehearsal for Italy’s Republic Day parade, leaving several riders and animals injured. The incident unfolded near the historic Baths of Caracalla, where mounted units from Italy’s armed forces and law enforcement were preparing for the national celebration set for June 2, as reported by Reuters.
The sudden explosion of fireworks startled approximately 35 horses, prompting them to bolt through the city streets. Witnesses captured the frenzy on video, showing the horses racing along Via Cristoforo Colombo, with drivers watching in disbelief as the scene unfolded.
Efforts to locate and recover the fleeing horses continued throughout the night, with the final horse being found around nine miles from the initial location by dawn the following day.
In a dramatic image captured by Lucio Virzi Fotografo for REUTERS, a runaway horse is seen galloping down a road during the ceremonial rehearsal in Rome, adding a visual testament to the unexpected turmoil of the night.
A runaway horse bolts down a road during a late-night ceremonial rehearsal in Rome around May 29, 2026. (Lucio Virzi Fotografo/REUTERS)
According to Reuters, the sudden bangs began shortly before 11:30 p.m. and triggered panic among the ceremonial horses, many of which were being escorted by Italy’s Army, Carabinieri paramilitary police, and state police.
Some riders were mounted, while others were leading horses by hand when the startled animals broke free, the outlet said.
During the chaos, a 22-year-old soldier reportedly suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung, though officials said his injuries were not life-threatening. At least 15 horses were also injured, though none required euthanasia, according to reports.
Italian outlet ANSA said the stampede injured three young soldiers from the Montebello Lancers and a 29-year-old policewoman.
Police and emergency crews station near a road as panicked horses flee down a Rome road on May 29, 2026. (Lucio Virzi Fotografo/via REUTERS)
Officials are reviewing how the unauthorized fireworks were ignited near the rehearsal site.
The Rome Local Police Command said four traffic police officers were involved in the incident and were reportedly near the firecrackers when the explosion occurred, ANSA said.
Officials said one of the officers allegedly lit a battery of fireworks about 200 yards from the horses, the outlet reported. The officer was identified as a 50-year-old who joined the force after passing the most recent exam.
Video footage and witness statements suggest the explosions and the horses’ escape occurred simultaneously, according to the local report.
The Italian Air Force acrobatic team “Frecce Tricolori” seen during Italy’s annual Republic Day on June 2, 2025. (Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Rome police commander Mario De Sclavis told Corriere della Sera that the incident “discredits the image of the Corps and its officers,” according to Reuters.
Sclavis added that the agency will take “necessary measures” to hold those responsible accountable, according to ANSA.
“Last night’s events hit us like a tsunami,” he said.
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