Two people were taken to hospital and a horse had to be put down following a multiple vehicle accident on the Veteran’s Memorial Highway involving the runaway animal.

Harbour Grace RCMP were called to the scene around midnight last night.

Police say it appears as though the horse had escaped from a nearby fenced enclosure and wandered onto the highway.

Two vehicles had minor contact with the animal, but another vehicle collided with the horse, and then collided with another vehicle which was trying to avoid the animal.

Two drivers, a 33-year-old man and a 47-year-old woman were taken to Carbonear General for treatment.

The owner of the horse arrived at the scene, but the horse was so badly injured it had to be put down.