Irish Rail issue statement following fatal collision at Mayo level crossing
Iarnród Éireann/Irish Rail have commenced a full investigation into a fatal collision at a level crossing near Ballyhaunis in Co Mayo yesterday evening.
A 12-year-old boy was killed after a train and a car collided at a level crossing in the Kiltybo area. The boy was a passenger in the car and the vehicle's other occupant, a male in his 40s, was taken from the scene by ambulance for hospital treatment. His injuries are not life-threatening.
Gardaí are appealing for information and for witnesses to this incident to come forward.
Irish Rail issued the following statement in relation to the incident:
"Iarnród Éireann expresses our deepest sympathies to the family of the young boy who tragically lost his life at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis yesterday evening."
"The 18:15 Heuston to Westport service struck a car in which the boy was travelling at XM160 level crossing at Ballyhaunis Co. Mayo shortly before 21:00hrs. An adult male, also in the car at the time, is in hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening.
"Emergency services attended the scene and An Garda Síochána remain on site with Iarnród Éireann staff assisting. All passengers on the train safely disembarked and onward transport was arranged.
"Thank you to all who responded to this tragic incident for the professionalism and care shown to those involved."
"Iarnród Éireann immediately commenced a full investigation into the incident and has advised the relevant authorities."
"The line will remain closed between Westport and Athlone until further notice and replacement bus services are being provided. Ballina to Manulla services will operate to Claremorris with onward bus transfer to Athlone. Knock-on delays are expected on Galway route services," the statement concluded.
Road users and pedestrians with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were in the area of Kiltybo, Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo, on Thursday 3rd September 2026 between 8.15pm and 9.15pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on (096) 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
