This is the shocking moment an escaped ostrich ran along a road in China.

Passersby spotted the flightless bird standing in a puddle before charging along the motorway in Sanya, Hainan, on October 28.

Footage shows the seemingly confused animal sprinting down the middle of the road while weaving between vehicles as the rain poured.

Onlookers, concerned for its safety with passing vehicles, alerted animal rescue. Moments later, a group of men successfully chased down, restrained, and transported the ostrich to a safe location.

Police officers later returned the giant bird to its owner, who assured authorities it would not escape again.

Ostriches are the fastest-running birds, reaching speeds of 60 to 70 km/h on land.