This is the moment a wild elephant intercepted a state-run bus and charged towards it, forcing the driver to retreat in reverse gear for around 1km in south Indian state of Karnataka.

The driver stopped the bus after spotting the tusker in the middle of the road in the Santhaweri Ghat in Chikmangalur area.

They were hoping that the tusker will go back into the jungle after sometime, hence the driver decided to wait it out.

Contrary to their expectations, the elephant gradually started moving towards the bus. Sensing trouble the driver put the bus in reverse gear and speed on.

As the driver started navigating his way back through the snaking valley, the elephant could be seen menacingly running towards the bus.

The angry bull kept chasing the bus for around 1km and then finally disappeared in the jungle.

Panicked, the passengers could be heard praying to god for their safety.