NEW DELHI: Four elephants were killed early yesterday after being run over by a speedy goods train in India's eastern state  of Odisha, officials said, reports Xinhua.

The elephants were hit on the railway track in Jharsuguda district, about 326 km northwest of Bhubanewsar, the capital city of Odisha.

"At around 3:30 am (local time), a herd of elephants was crossing the railway line near Bagdihi Railway Station and suddenly a speedy goods train hit four of them, killing them on the spot," said Sushant Kumar, a forest official posted at Jharsuguda. "On inspection, the dead were identified as two adults and two calves."