Around 3 dozen horses stampede through Rome streets after fireworks spook rehearsal
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Unauthorized fireworks in Rome reportedly caused a mass stampede of frightened horses and injured scores of riders and animals during a late-night rehearsal of Italy’s annual Republic Day parade.
The incident occurred late on Friday near the ancient Baths of Caracalla, as cavalry units from Italy’s armed forces and law enforcement were exercising for the June 2 national celebration, Reuters reported.
The outlet said about 35 horses ran through the city’s streets following the unexpected fireworks. Video capturing the chaotic scene shows multiple horses galloping along Via Cristoforo Colombo as drivers record the scene.
Search and rescue efforts reportedly continued until dawn the next day, and the last horse was rescued approximately nine miles from the scene.
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A runaway horse runs onto the road during a late-night ceremony rehearsal in Rome, around May 29, 2026. (Photo by Lucio Virzi/REUTERS)
The sudden explosions began shortly before 11:30 p.m., according to Reuters, sparking panic among ceremonial horses, many of whom were escorted by Italy’s Army, Carabinieri paramilitary police and state police.
At the exit, it was stated that some riders mounted the horses, while others guided the horses by hand when the frightened animals broke free.
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A 22-year-old soldier reportedly suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung during the chaos, but officials said his injuries were not life-threatening. At least 15 horses were also injured, although none required euthanasia, according to reports.
Italian outlet ANSA in question Three young soldiers from the Montebello Lancers and a 29-year-old policewoman were injured in the stampede.
Police and emergency crews stand near the road as panicked horses flee from a Roman road on May 29, 2026. (via Lucio Virzi Fotografo/REUTERS)
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Authorities are investigating how unauthorized fireworks were set off near the rehearsal area.
The Rome Local Police Command said four traffic police officers were involved in the incident and were near the fireworks when the explosion occurred, ANSA said.
Authorities said one of the officers claimed to have lit a battery of fireworks about 200 yards from the horses. It was determined that the police officer was a 50-year-old man who joined the force after passing the final exam.
According to the local report, video footage and eyewitness accounts indicate that the explosions and the escape of the horses occurred simultaneously.
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The Italian Air Force aerobatic team “Frecce Tricolori” is 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 “tarnished the image of the Corps and its officers,” according to Reuters.
Sclavis added that the agency would take “necessary measures” to hold those responsible accountable, according to ANSA.
“What happened last night hit us like a tsunami,” he said.
