Fireworks reportedly trigger mass horse stampede through Rome streets, injuring several soldiers

Fireworks group disconnected without authorization successful Rome reportedly triggered a wide stampede of frightened horses during a late-night rehearsal for Italy’s yearly Republic Day parade, injuring aggregate riders and animals.

The incident occurred precocious Friday adjacent nan ancient Baths of Caracalla arsenic mounted units from Italy's armed forces and rule enforcement agencies were practicing for nan June 2 nationalist celebration, Reuters reported.

Roughly 35 horses bolted done metropolis streets pursuing nan unexpected fireworks, nan outlet said. Video captured nan chaotic scene, showing galore horses galloping on Via Cristoforo Colombo arsenic drivers recorded nan scene.

The hunt and betterment effort reportedly continued until dawn nan adjacent day, pinch nan past equine recovered astir 9 miles from nan scene.

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A runaway equine bolts down a roadworthy during a late-night ceremonial rehearsal successful Rome astir May 29, 2026. (Lucio Virzi Fotografo/REUTERS)

According to Reuters, nan abrupt bangs began soon earlier 11:30 p.m. and triggered panic among nan ceremonial horses, galore of which were being escorted by Italy’s Army, Carabinieri paramilitary police, and authorities police.

Some riders were mounted, while others were starring horses by manus erstwhile nan startled animals collapsed free, nan outlet said.

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During nan chaos, a 22-year-old worker reportedly suffered surgery ribs and a punctured lung, though officials said his injuries were not life-threatening. At slightest 15 horses were besides injured, though nary required euthanasia, according to reports.

Italian outlet ANSA said nan stampede injured 3 young soldiers from nan Montebello Lancers and a 29-year-old policewoman.

Police and emergency crews position adjacent a roadworthy arsenic panicked horses fly down a Rome roadworthy connected May 29, 2026. (Lucio Virzi Fotografo/via REUTERS)

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Officials are reviewing really nan unauthorized fireworks were ignited adjacent nan rehearsal site.

The Rome Local Police Command said 4 postulation police officers were progressive successful nan incident and were reportedly adjacent nan firecrackers erstwhile nan detonation occurred, ANSA said.

Officials said 1 of nan officers allegedly lit a artillery of fireworks astir 200 yards from nan horses, nan outlet reported. The serviceman was identified arsenic a 50-year-old who joined nan unit aft passing nan astir caller exam.

Video footage and witnesser statements propose nan explosions and nan horses’ flight occurred simultaneously, according to nan section report.

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The Italian Air Force acrobatic squad "Frecce Tricolori" seen during Italy's yearly Republic Day connected June 2, 2025. (Stefano Costantino/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Rome constabulary commandant Mario De Sclavis told Corriere della Sera that nan incident "discredits nan image of nan Corps and its officers," according to Reuters.

Sclavis added that nan agency will return "necessary measures" to clasp those responsible accountable, according to ANSA.

"Last night's events deed america for illustration a tsunami," he said.