Chennai, March 31 (IANS) Buffaloes being herded to an abattoir broke loose and attacked passers by here Monday, injuring 18 people, including a 70-year-old woman. Ten buffaloes were being transported from different districts of Andhra Pradesh to an abattoir when they cut loose after being offloaded from a broken down truck in the downmarket Madhavaram area.

An eyewitness, A. Khan, told IANS that a septuagenarian flower seller woman R. Saroja, a pickle vendor T. Reddy (33) and a housewife V. Lakshmi (30) bore the brunt of animals’ ire and were admitted to the Government Stanley Hospital.

The injured are said to be out of danger, health officials said.

“Obviously the cattle were scared and reacted violently as a bit of final protest as they were dragged away by the butchers,” eyewitness Khan said.

Attempts were being made to trace the vehicle, police sources added.