THIS is the horrific moment a runaway ice cream van ploughs through a crowd of children at a festival.

The driver reportedly forgot to put the handbrake on causing the truck to roll downhill gaining momentum before hitting and injuring 29 kids.

An out of control ice cream van rolled down a hill and smashed into a crowd of childrenCredit: East2West

29 children were injured and some were seen lying on the groundCredit: East2West

The vehicle gathered speed as it travelledCredit: East2West
The vehicle was being used by an ice cream seller in Kyrgyzstan but suddenly started accelerating towards a crowd of thousands.

The hapless driver and security men frantically raced after the truck as they realised it was out of control.

It is estimated the van reached around 30mph.

Eighteen children aged nine to 16 were hospitalised, with seven in intensive care.

An ambulance was seen treating the victims and children were seen lying wounded on the grass.

According to one report the terrifying crash happened because “the driver forgot to put the handbrake.”

A health ministry spokesman said: “According to preliminary information, ice cream was sold from the truck.”

The children were at a festival dedicated to Manas Epic, a legendary poem that holds great cultural significance in Kyrgyzstan, a mountainous  ex-Soviet republic.

The hurtling blue Hyundai Porter pickup truck finally came to a halt after crashing into a marquee.

Doctors were ordered by government officials “to provide high-quality medical care, as well as the necessary medicines”

The country’s Minister of Health Alymkadyr Beishenaliev took “personal control” of overseeing treatment for the victims, it was reported.

Police have launched a preliminary investigation into the incident.

It comes as in March a shocking video captured the moment two huge elephants sent people running for their lives as they went on a rampage at a busy festival.

The beasts caused chaos when they started fighting violently during the religious gathering.

Screams rang out as the crazed animals locked tusks and frantic handlers beat them with sticks in a desperate attempt to separate the pair.

Villagers hot-footed it out of the area as the beasts then begun a terrifying game of cat and mouse, thundering through Kerala, India.

The van eventually came to a halt after it crashed into a marqueeCredit: East2West

An ambulance was seen treating the injuredCredit: East2West

According to reports the driver forgot to put the handbrake onCredit: East2West