A young boy and a man in his 40s have died following a collision between a train and a car in Co Mayo last night.
This happened when the boy aged 12 and man were travelling in a car which collided at a user-operated level crossing at Kiltybo, near Ballyhaunis in Mayo. The train itself had been travelling from Heuston in Dublin to Westport. The level cross runs a secondary road, intersecting with the N60, situated a short distance away.
Sadly, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene, while the man was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment, where his injuries have been described as not life threatening.
On this, Iarnród Éireann said: "our thoughts are with everyone affected", while confirming that the line between Westport and Athlone would remain closed until further notice.
They added that bus transfers would operate from Westport to Athlone, while Ballina to Manulla services would operate via Claremorris.
All passengers on the train had been safely disembarked, while onward transport was also arranged following the accident.
Gardaí also confirmed that a technical examination would be carried out by forensic investigators.
The boy's body was removed to the mortuary at Mayo University Hospital, where a post mortem examination would be arranged.
Gardaí have issued an appeal to road users and pedestrians with camera footage including dash cam who were near the area of Kiltybo, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo between the hours of 8.15pm and 9.15pm last night or any Garda station.
They have been asked to get in contact with Ballina Garda Station on (096) 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
This also comes after a train which had been travelling eastbound had struck a tractor at a level crossing between Portarlington and Tullamore along the Westport/Dubline line.
Passengers on the Westbound service had been transferred by bus to Athlone when they re-boarded a train to Westport, only for the replacement train to be involved in the second incident along Ballyhaunis last night.
One person was taken to hospital to be treated for minor injuries.
