A bull was hit and killed by a train south of Oamaru yesterday, after it had caused traffic chaos on State Highway 1.
Police were called to Deborah just before 1pm, after receiving a report of the animal running loose on the road ''trotting towards town'', Highway Patrol Sergeant Peter Muldrew said.
Several motorists had to take evasive action before it moved off the road.
When police arrived at the scene, the bull had gone on the railway line.
Sgt Muldrew called train control to alert them of the situation and was told a train was about to come through.
The train was unable to slow in time and hit the bull just before 1pm.
The bull had escaped from a nearby farm.
