Rome's Colosseum Moment: Horses Bolt on Main Avenue, Injuring Five

Rome was transformed into a scene reminiscent of the Colosseum when approximately thirty military horses broke free during rehearsals for Italy's Republic Day parade. The unusual incident occurred on the night of May 29, when the horses, belonging to the Italian armed forces, were spooked by a sudden firework explosion.

Panicked, the animals escaped their designated area and began galloping uncontrollably along the Cristoforo Colombo avenue, a major thoroughfare in the Italian capital. The chaotic scene caused significant disruption and alarm among drivers, with several vehicles sustaining damage. Eyewitnesses described the event as "madness."

Authorities attempted to regain control of the horses, but the effort resulted in injuries to three members of the Italian army, a female police officer, and a police constable. Two of the injured are reportedly in serious condition, though their lives are not in danger. In the aftermath, one horse was euthanized, according to Italian authorities. The incident has cast a shadow over the upcoming Republic Day celebrations.