Rome's Republic Day Parade Rehearsal Turns to Chaos as Fireworks Spook 35 Horses, Injuring Four

A scene of cinematic chaos unfolded on Rome's Via Cristoforo Colombo just before midnight on Friday, May 29, when approximately 35 horses assembled for the June 2 Republic Day parade rehearsal bolted in panic. The animals, belonging to units including the Lancieri di Montebello, the State Police, and the Carabinieri band, were lined up near the Baths of Caracalla when a battery of fireworks exploded roughly 200 meters away.

The Trigger and the Chase

Initial investigations point to a municipal police officer who admitted to lighting the fireworks for "goliardic reasons" while with colleagues. The sudden blasts spooked the horses, causing them to dislodge riders and flee. Some animals galloped with saddles, swords, and blankets still attached. Police vehicles with flashing lights pursued the herd along the major artery toward the EUR district, while motorists swerved to avoid collisions. The last horse was recovered at dawn near the Divino Amore sanctuary, about 14 kilometers from the starting point.

It was an idiotic act. We are carrying out all necessary checks to fully identify those responsible for an act that, even if goliardic or done without knowing what it could cause, is in no way justifiable.

Human and Animal Toll

The incident resulted in four confirmed injuries. A 29-year-old policewoman from Taranto, Emanuela, was thrown from her horse and suffered severe facial bruising and chest trauma. Three soldiers from the Lancieri di Montebello were also hurt: a 22-year-old from Catanzaro, Mariaelena Passaniti, sustained broken ribs and a perforated lung; a 22-year-old female colleague; and a 20-year-old male soldier from Catania. None are in life-threatening condition. Additionally, 15 of the 35 horses sustained minor injuries and were secured and treated by veterinary personnel.

I wasn't in the saddle. When I saw the horse get spooked by the firecrackers, my first thought was to calm it down, to stop it from running away. I don't know how it managed to hit me. The pain was terrible.

Official Response and Investigation

The Ministry of Defence stated that Minister Guido Crosetto, though on an official visit abroad, was constantly monitoring the situation. The Carabinieri have sent an initial report to the public prosecutor's office, and a case for offenses including injury and damage may be opened. The local police command confirmed it is acquiring CCTV footage and investigating whether explosions occurred in one or multiple locations simultaneously.

One of them has already immediately recounted what he did. The statements were the subject of a report sent to the Public Prosecutor's Office. Now we await any delegations to ascertain other hypotheses.

Aftermath and Determination

Despite the trauma, the injured riders expressed a strong desire to return. From her hospital bed at San Giovanni, policewoman Emanuela said she hoped to participate next year. Mariaelena, the young lancer with a perforated lung, also insisted the incident would not stop her. Commander De Sclavis guaranteed that disciplinary measures would be taken against those responsible, proportional to the findings of the ongoing investigation, though formal actions like suspension must await the legal process.