This is the scary moment a male elephant stops in his tracks and topples a van after attacking it in eastern India.

The dramatic incident unfolded on September 6 in Garshalboni area of West Bengal state's Jhargram district.

Visuals showed a group of villagers chasing the elephant when a vehicle tries to pass it.

Without sending out any warning, the animal stopped in its tracks and turned around, sending the villagers running for their lives.

Seconds later, it attacked the van.

The driver, fortunately, was quick enough to jump out of the vehicle before it was toppled.

Tense onlookers were heard worrying about the driver, while some said he escaped before the attack took place.

Reports said the tusker strayed away from the surrounding forest and wreaked havoc after it entered the residential area.