About 3 horses stampede through the streets of Rome after fireworks disrupted a practice session
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Unauthorized fireworks in Rome reportedly spooked dozens of horses during late-night rehearsals for Italy’s annual Republic Day parade, injuring many riders and animals.
The incident happened late Friday near the ancient Baths of Caracalla as Italian military and law enforcement officers were rehearsing for the June 2 national holiday, Reuters reported.
An estimated 35 horses rode through the streets of the city following the unexpected fireworks, the store said. Video captured the chaotic scene, showing dozens of horses running down Via Cristoforo Colombo as drivers filmed the scene.
The search and rescue effort reportedly continued until the next morning, and the last horse was found about nine kilometers from the scene.
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A runaway horse rides on the street during a night exercise in Rome on May 29, 2026. (Lucio Virzi Fotografo/REUTERS)
According to Reuters, the sudden explosion began shortly before 11:30 p.m. and caused panic among the horses of the festival, many of which were accompanied by the Italian Army, Carabinieri police and state police.
Some riders were riding, while others were leading the horses by the hand when the frightened animals broke loose, the store said.
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During the clashes, a 22-year-old soldier reportedly suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung, although officials said his injuries were not life-threatening. At least 15 horses were also injured, although none required euthanasia, according to reports.
The Italian agency ANSA said the massacre injured three young Montebello Lancers soldiers and a 29-year-old female police officer.
Police and paramedics at a roadside station as frightened horses run off a road in Rome on May 29, 2026. (Lucio Virzi Fotografo/via REUTERS)
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Officials are reviewing how unauthorized fireworks were planted near the training ground.
The Rome Police Department said that four traffic police officers were involved in the incident and were reportedly close to the explosives when the explosion occurred, ANSA said.
Officials said one of the officers allegedly set off explosives 200 yards from the horses, the newspaper reported. This policeman was identified as a 50-year-old who joined the force after passing the recent exams.
Video footage and witness statements suggest the explosion and horse run happened at the same time, according to a local report.
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The Italian Air Force acrobatic team “Frecce Tricolori” seen during Italy’s annual Republic Day on June 2, 2025. (Photos by Stefano Costantino/SOPA/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Rome police chief Mario De Sclavis told Corriere della Sera that the incident “defames the reputation 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.
