Coimbatore, In a tragic incident, an express train hit an elephant at Marapalam in Madukkarai early this morning in which a 15-year-old female elephant was killed.

According to police, " pachyderm, part of a herd of six elephants, including two calves, was crossing the track when the Bengaluru-Kochuveli Express hit it at around 1.30 AM".

They further added, that the elephant was thrown off the track and died on the spot.

The Madukkarai station Master has been immediately informed by the driver about the incident, and further station master informed police.

Forest department sources said the carcass would be buried at nearby forest land.