Rome police officer causes panic among horses with unauthorized fireworks — four injured

During a rehearsal for Rome's Republic Day parade, horses panicked when a traffic police officer set off unauthorized fireworks nearby. At least four people were injured in the incident, two seriously — injuries include broken ribs and lung damage.

An incident occurred in Rome during the preparations for the Republic Day parade when a traffic police officer set off unauthorized fireworks near horses. The noise and flashes caused dozens of horses to panic and bolt, creating a dangerous situation for riders and people present at the scene.

According to Italian media, at least four people were injured in the incident. Two of them sustained serious injuries — broken ribs and lung damage have been reported. The other two injured people sustained minor injuries.

The parade rehearsals took place in connection with the celebration of Italy's Republic Day. The actions of the police officer who set off the fireworks without authorization are now under investigation. Such behavior near horses represents a serious hazard that could have had even more tragic consequences.