Inquiry on woman hit by train

The death of a woman motorist whose car was struck by a train at an unattended crossing in Co Roscommon is being investigated…

The death of a woman motorist whose car was struck by a train at an unattended crossing in Co Roscommon is being investigated by Iarnrod Eireann. Ms Vera Mannion (24), from Keel, Ballymahon, Co Longford, died instantly when her car was hit on the track at Slieve, halfway between Roscommon and Castlerea, on Tuesday night.

A spokesman for Iarnrod Eireann said Ms Mannion had driven on to the track at a crossing which does not have automatic barriers or flashing lights to indicate when a train is approaching.

Instead, the crossing has gates which must be opened and closed by road users, with the "onus on the road user to check that it is safe to proceed", he added.

It is understood these gates were already open when Ms Mannion approached the line. Gardai at Castlerea are also investigating the incident.