LIPETSK, October 24 (RIA Novosti) - A herd of boars was run over by an off road vehicle in the Lipetsk region in Central Russia early on Wednesday, the chief of the region's environmental protection body said.

The driver of the Audi Q7, who was traveling at high speed along the Don federal highway, failed to notice the animals which were crossing the road. He crashed into the herd, killing 16 piglets and two females.

"The car is beyond repair," Nikita Solovyev added.

If found guilty the driver faces a fine of 3,000 rubles ($120) for each dead animal.

Since January, a total of 18 wild pigs and three elks have been run over by cars in the Lipetsk Region.