Wednesday night's horrifying stampede at Harbour Nights on Front Street raises serious questions about safety at the event.

While it is not yet known what "spooked" the carriage horses, it is clear that there was virtually nothing anyone could do to ensure the safety of the thousands of people who were at the event.

The only blessing is that no one was killed, but that will be of little solace to the 20 or so people who were injured in the crush.

What this will do is add weight to the arguments of opponents of allowing horses and carriages in Hamilton, not only at Harbour Nights, but throughout the summer months.

These arguments have largely been centred on the health and well being of the horses, but the wider dangers are also clear now.

The Police obviously are investigating the incident, and one would hope that they will provide a report on its causes quickly.

In the meantime, the Chamber of Commerce and the Ministry of Community and Cultural Affairs, who jointly organise the event, must hold an immediate review into safety issues.

This should not be limited to the question of livery carriages, but also to general security. There have in the past been incidents at Harbour Nights, and Wednesday's events show how vulnerable spectators are.