Fireworks reportedly trigger mass horse stampede through Rome streets, injuring several soldiers
Unauthorized Fireworks in Rome Trigger Stampede of Mounted Parade Horses
Rome, Italy – Late Friday night, a routine rehearsal for the country’s annual Republic Day parade turned chaotic when an unauthorized set of fireworks exploded near the Baths of Caracalla. The unexpected burst sent an estimated 35 ceremonial horses bolting down the streets of Rome, creating a stampede that injured riders, soldiers, and the animals themselves.
The incident began just before 11:30 p.m. while mounted units from the Italian Army, Carabinieri, and state police were practicing for the June 2 parade. Video footage released by local media shows the horses—many of whom were being escorted by soldiers or led by hand—breaking free and racing down Via Cristoforo Colombo. The horses’ sudden flight cut through residential and commercial streets, forcing drivers and on‑lookers to scramble for safety.
Authorities report that a 22‑year‑old soldier suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung, though officials say his injuries were not life‑threatening. At least 15 horses were also injured, but none required euthanasia. The Italian news agency ANSA added that three young soldiers from the Montebello Lancers and a 29‑year‑old policewoman sustained injuries during the chaos.
A local police investigation revealed that the fireworks were set off by a member of the Rome Local Police Command. According to ANSA, four traffic police officers were present near the explosion site, and one 50‑year‑old officer allegedly lit a battery of fireworks approximately 200 yards from the horses. The officer had joined the force after passing the most recent exam, the report noted.
“Last night’s events hit us like a tsunami,” said Rome police commander Mario De Sclavis in an interview with Corriere della Sera. “The incident discredits the image of the Corps and its officers.” He added that the agency would take “necessary measures” to hold those responsible accountable.
The stampede caused significant disruption in central Rome. Search and recovery efforts continued into the early hours of Saturday, with the last horse being recovered roughly nine miles from the original scene. Video captured on the night shows the chaos, with riders and police officers scrambling to regain control of the animals while traffic was temporarily halted.
The cause of the unauthorized fireworks remains under investigation. Police are reviewing how they were ignited and the security protocols in place around the rehearsal site. The incident has prompted calls from some officials for tighter controls over the use of pyrotechnics in public events, particularly those involving large numbers of horses.
The Republic Day parade, scheduled for June 2, is one of Italy’s most significant national celebrations. The rehearsal was a crucial part of the preparation, featuring mounted units that have historically showcased the country’s military heritage. The stampede underscores the risks associated with combining live animals, military personnel, and pyrotechnics in urban settings.
Italian authorities are working to determine whether any criminal charges will be filed against the officer who set off the fireworks and whether additional safety measures will be implemented for future rehearsals. The incident has already sparked a broader conversation about public safety during large-scale ceremonial events.