Several British Army horses broke free and galloped through the streets of central London, United Kingdom. At least four people were injured.
The incident happened at around 8:40 am on Wednesday, April 24, in the heart of the city, close to Buckingham Palace and the headquarters of the British Government. The video shows two escaping horses galloping disoriented among people passing by on the street.
“Some military work horses got loose during a routine exercise this morning. All animals were rescued and returned to Army facilities,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “Several people and horses were injured and are receiving appropriate medical care,” he added.
The images showed a white horse with a saddle on its back covered in blood running down the street next to another with black fur. According to the Associated Press (AP), the animals were frightened by the noise of construction work taking place near Belgravia Street, where the military exercise was taking place. Seven managed to free themselves, overthrew the soldiers and fled, writes the same agency.
According to doctors, the injured were taken to hospital. The animals also collided with vehicles circulating during rush hour, including a taxi that had broken windows and a double-decker tourist bus, adds the Guardian.
Speaking to the same newspaper, London firefighters said they had received three emergency calls about horse incidents in various parts of the city.
Initially, London’s Metropolitan Police said authorities were working to locate “the horses that are currently loose in the center”, but did not specify how many. Later, they revealed the exact number.
The horses belong to the Household Cavalry, King Charles III’s official guard and also take part in royal ceremonies. They are located in Hyde Park barracks, less than a kilometer from Buckingham Palace.
