The unauthorized launch of fireworks in Rome reportedly caused a mass stampede of terrified horses during a night rehearsal for Italy's annual Republic Day parade, injuring several riders and animals, ANSA reports, according to UNN.
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Four traffic inspectors suspected of involvement in launching the fireworks that caused a panic among horses during the dress rehearsal for Italy's Republic Day celebrations in Rome have been suspended from duty at the event, authorities announced Sunday.
Not only the officer who actually lit the fireworks, but also three of his colleagues who were with him, have been suspended from duty for the day pending the completion of an investigation to establish responsibility for the horses crashing into vehicles around the Terme di Caracalla on Saturday night, which left three young soldiers injured, as well as a 29-year-old policewoman who suffered fractured ribs and legs.
The reconstruction of events by investigators leaves little room for doubt, sources said Monday.
Four traffic police officers were apparently present Friday night around the fireworks that exploded during the ceremony rehearsal.
In addition to the officer who actually lit the fuse, there were three other colleagues from the same unit, the publication writes.
Video footage and witness testimony indicate "simultaneity" between the explosion of the fireworks and the flight of the horses.
Carabinieri from the Roma Centro branch are currently investigating the case in cooperation with local police, and an initial report has been sent to the prosecutor's office.
Thus, a case could be opened within the next few hours for various offenses, including hit-and-run and property damage.
Local police commander Mario De Sclavis announced "necessary actions" on Saturday as soon as the situation is clarified, assuring that "no concessions will be made to anyone."
Before the rehearsal, the horses were lined up, but something went wrong, the publication writes.
The explosion of the fireworks, about 200 meters from the horses, caused them to panic. At a full gallop, they knocked down people and vehicles and caused several accidents. Shortly thereafter, the identity of the police officer was established, who confessed to lighting the fireworks "for fun" while with colleagues.
Great fear prevailed among those who witnessed these events firsthand.
"It was the scariest night of my life," a Carabinieri officer participating in the parade rehearsal did not hesitate to say. "The horses trampled everyone and everything in their path."