Incident happened following an earlier collision between a tractor and train in Tullamore

A 12-year-old boy has died and a man 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.

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.”

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.