A traffic policeman set off unauthorized fireworks near a late-night rehearsal for Italy’s Republic Day parade, startling about 35 ceremonial horses and causing them to stampede through Rome shortly before 11:30 PM on May 29 [1, 2, 3].
The horses were part of mounted units from the army, Carabinieri, and police rehearsing close to the ancient Baths of Caracalla. The fireworks went off approximately 200 meters from the horses, who bolted onto Via Cristoforo Colombo and fled for roughly 14 kilometers (9 miles) [1, 2, 3].
Mounted riders were thrown during the chaos. A 22-year-old soldier was hospitalized with broken ribs and a punctured lung but is not in life-threatening condition. According to Italian news agency ANSA, three additional young soldiers from the Montebello Lancers and a 29-year-old policewoman also suffered injuries [1, 2, 3].
About 15 horses were injured in the stampede, but none had to be euthanized, authorities confirmed [1, 2, 3]. The horses were gradually recovered, with the last one found at dawn the following day, May 30 [1, 2, 3].
Four traffic police officers were present near the unauthorized fireworks, and the officer who lit them has been identified as a 50-year-old recent recruit [3]. The use of fireworks without authorization has raised serious concerns.
Rome police commander Mario De Sclavis said the incident "discredits the image of the Corps and its officers." He added that "last night's events hit us like a tsunami," stressing the gravity of the situation [1, 3].
The annual Republic Day parade is scheduled for June 2. Authorities are continuing their investigation into the unauthorized use of fireworks during the rehearsal and assessing measures to prevent similar incidents in the future [1, 2, 3].
