A CHILD has died following a collision between a car and a train in Co Mayo last night.
The 12-year-old boy and a man in his 40s were travelling in the car when the horrific crash took place at a user-operated level crossing in Kiltybo, near Ballyhaunis, at around 8.45pm.
The boy was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries not thought to be life-threatening.
The train involved was the Westport service from Dublin.
No passengers on the train were injured and they were safely disembarked while onward transport was arranged.
It is understood passengers remained on the train until around midnight as emergency services attended to the scene.
Gardai have closed the road and sealed off the scene of the fatal incident as Forensic Collision Investigators conduct a technical examination of the scene.
The Coroner has been notified and the body of the young boy has been removed to the mortuary at Mayo University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be arranged.
It was the second railway crossing incident on the Westport to Dublin line that took place yesterday.
A man was hospitalised following a crash on the Irish Rail line at Meelaghans in Tullamore, Co Offaly at around 3:50pm.
Most read in The Sun
RULES PROBE
Two Reform officials quit over undercover probe into breach of donation rules
‘COURAGEOUS BOY’
Boy, 6, dies suddenly after falling ill during football match
DOUBLING DOWN
Argentina vows to ‘recover’ Falklands & slap sanctions on oil firms
The collision took place when a train struck a tractor crossing the line.
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.”
Train services to Westport have been halted, with Irish Rail confirming the line will remain closed until further notice, with Ballina to Manulla services running through to Claremorris.
Replacement bus transfers will operate from Westport to Athlone this morning.