Horses Injure 3 at California Parade

Two horses ran into a crowd at a Southern California parade, injuring three spectators including a double amputee who was knocked out of his wheelchair.

Orange County Fire Authority spokesman Steve Concialdi said the horses were pulling a carriage filled with people when they bolted at the start of the Swallows Day Parade route in San Juan Capistrano.

He said the double amputee was taken to the hospital with moderate injuries after a horse fell on him.

Two women who stood nearby suffered minor injuries.

In a separate accident during the parade, a woman fell off a small chariot being pulled by a miniature horse. She was taken to the hospital with a head injury.

The parade celebrates the return of the swallows to the town’s mission each spring.