Iarnród Éireann report line will remain closed between Westport and Athlone until further notice

A 12-year-old boy has died and his father was left injured after a train collided with a car in Mayo on Thursday evening.

Emergency services were called to the incident, which took place at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis, at approximately 8.45pm.

The train involved was the Westport service from Dublin.

The young boy was pronounced dead at the scene, while the driver of the car, a man aged in his late forties, was taken to hospital by ambulance for treatment. His injuries are described as non-life-threatening.

No passengers on the train were injured.

It is understood the 12-year-old boy was returning home from training with his father when the tragedy occurred.

In recent days he was among hundreds of local children who welcomed Mayo Captain Jack Coyne to his home club Ballyhaunis GAA Club with the Sam Maguire cup.

A local woman said “Everyone is devastated. He is a beautiful, beautiful boy and they are a loving and happy family.

“How could this happen to them? We are all in disbelief.”

Gardaí said in a statement on Friday morning; “A technical examination of the scene will be carried out by Forensic Collision Investigators.

“The road remains closed at this time.

“The Coroner has been notified and the deceased has been removed to the mortuary at Mayo University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be arranged.”

They added; “Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.

“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.”

Iarnród Éireann released a statement on Friday morning, saying; “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.”

They added; “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.”

It was the second railway crossing incident to happen on Thursday after a man was hospitalised following a collision on the Irish Rail line in Tullamore earlier in the afternoon.

The man was injured when a train struck a tractor crossing the line at Meelaghans, Tullamore, at 3.50pm.

Crew and emergency services were called to the scene.

A garda spokesperson said: “A male has been conveyed to hospital for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life-threatening at this time.”

Iarnród Éireann said “significant disruption” was expected with bus transfers operating on Friday morning.

In a post on social media platform X, it 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.”

“More buses are being arranged,” a spokesperson said yesterday.