Emergency services are at the scene of a “serious” incident involving a train striking a car at a rail crossing in Co Mayo.
The 6.15pm service from Dublin’s Heuston station to Westport hit a car at a crossing outside Ballyhaunis just before 9pm. The car had several occupants.
The incident occurred at a user-operated crossing about a 1km outside the town.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s incidents,” the rail operator said in a post on X.
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“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 co-operation during this challenging day.”
An Irish Rail spokeswoman said the line will remain closed overnight between Westport and Athlone. Services to and from Westport can expect significant disruption on Friday morning.
An Garda Síochána said in a statement: “Gardaí are currently at the scene of a serious traffic incident at Kiltybo, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo.
“The road is currently closed with local diversions in place.”
It is the second incident involving a vehicle being struck by a train at a crossing on the Westport line on Thursday.
Earlier, a train collided with a tractor at around 4pm when it was attempting to cross the rail line at another user-operated crossing near Tullamore, Co Offaly. The train that struck the tractor was the 1.10pm Westport to Heuston station service.
Emergency services attended and one person was taken to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Train services in both directions were suspended and passengers were bussed to Athlone to pick up other trains following the first incident on Thursday afternoon.
Irish Rail confirmed late on Thursday night that bus replacement services will be put in place to Athlone for the 5.15am and 7.15am services from Westport on Friday.
Trains from Ballina will be operated by buses as far as Athlone where passengers can join other services.
