Horses bolt through Rome after policeman lights fireworks at parade rehearsal
May 31, 2026 07:54
ROME: Fireworks set off without permission by a traffic policeman during a late-night rehearsal for Italy’s Republic Day parade startled dozens of horses, sending them bolting through the capital and injuring several riders, police said.
The unexpected bangs shortly before 11:30 p.m. on Friday caused panic among the ceremonial horses, some of which had riders while others were being led by hand.
Around 35 horses fled onto the busy Via Cristoforo Colombo, where some drivers videoed them as they galloped down the road. The last horse was recovered at dawn around 14 km (9 miles) from the scene.
