Thirteen cows were mowed down by a train near Muthalamada railway station on Saturday. The incident happened near Meenkara dam in the morning when Chennai-Palakkad Express (22651) train hit the cows that stood on the tracks on the Palakkad-Pollachi route.

Railways officials said the cows could not move out of the tracks even after the train blared its horn because their front legs were tied to the neck. The train resumed its journey after removing the carcasses and their parts.

Railway has begun an investigation into the incident. Officials said they were inquiring about those who let their cattle graze on the tracks.