'Serious incident' as train collides with car
A train and a car have been involved in a collision near Ballyhaunis on Thursday night.
Gardaí are dealing with what they have described as a “serious incident” after a train and a car were involved in a collision in Co Mayo.
Services to and from Westport have been suspended following the crash, which was the second separate collision on Thursday involving a train and a vehicle on the line.
Irish Rail said the 6.15pm service from Heuston to Westport collided with a vehicle at a user-operated level crossing at Kiltybo in Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, shortly before 9pm.
The operator said emergency services were responding to the incident and attending to a number of people who had been in the car.
Gardaí said they were at the scene, where the road has been closed and local diversions have been put in place.
Irish Rail said staff were working to arrange bus transfers for passengers. The line will remain closed until further notice to allow emergency services to respond, and the company warned that morning services may also be affected.
In a post on X, Irish Rail said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s incidents.
“We’ll continue to do our best to provide clear and timely updates as info becomes available.
“A sincere thank you to all passengers/staff for your patience, understanding and cooperation during this challenging day.” Earlier in the afternoon, the 1.10pm Westport to Dublin Heuston service struck a tractor that was crossing the line in Co Offaly at around 3.50pm.
Gardaí said emergency services attended the scene at the Meelaghans near Tullamore, and that a man was brought to hospital for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening.
Bus transfers were operating, and the Galway line was expected to reopen tonight.
