it -- a horse charging at speed towards them.

The startled stallion came like a bolt from the blue, after breaking loose from its cart.

Tyres screeched yesterday afternoon as East Broadway drivers slammed on their brakes to avoid the runaway.

But for some there was no escape.

One cabbie swerved into the back of a car, and another driver and cyclist soon joined the list of casualties.

Motorist Mr. Allan Lee, whose car was pranged, said: "I couldn't believe it.

This horse was obviously very startled and galloping down the wrong lane.

"It was heading right for the traffic, and was extremely confused.'' Mr. Lee said the black horse was fully harnessed, with its reins flapping in the wind.

A woman who lives off East Broadway also witnessed the mayhem, and told the Police.

"I have never seen a horse go at such speed. Drivers were desperately trying to avoid it, and tyres were screeching.'' The woman said she dialled 911 twice -- but when Police didn't arrive after nearly 20 minutes she rang Hamilton station.

"The taxi and the car had collided and traffic was bumper to bumper. There could have been a serious accident.''