35 Horses Bolt Through Rome After Fireworks Injure Riders at Republic Day Rehearsal
Updated
Updated · Reuters · May 31
35 Horses Bolt Through Rome After Fireworks Injure Riders at Republic Day Rehearsal
10 articles · Updated · Reuters · May 31
Around 35 ceremonial horses bolted through Rome late Friday after a traffic policeman allegedly set off unauthorized fireworks near a Republic Day parade rehearsal, throwing several riders.
A 22-year-old soldier suffered broken ribs and a punctured lung, while about 15 horses were injured; police said none of the animals had to be put down.
The blasts erupted shortly before 11:30 p.m. near the Baths of Caracalla, where mounted units from the army, Carabinieri and police were preparing for the June 2 parade.
Drivers filmed horses galloping along Via Cristoforo Colombo, and the last animal was recovered at dawn about 14 km from the rehearsal site.
Rome police chief Mario De Sclavis said the episode damaged the force's image as Italy prepares to mark the republic's 80th anniversary.
A policeman’s 'joke' caused city-wide chaos. What does this expose about the culture and discipline within Rome's police force?
One prank injured 15 ceremonial horses. Is it time for historic parades to evolve beyond using live animals?