Train hits post van at Ballyvary crossing

Train hits post van at Ballyvary crossing


Edwin McGreal

A postman had a lucky escape last week after a train smashed into his delivery van at a level crossing two miles from Ballavary.
John Canning was taken to hospital following the crash, which happened during his morning run on Wednesday last, February 12. His injuries were described as ‘not life threatening’.
Mr Canning, a father of two in his 40s, was crossing the railway line at an unattended crossing at Corraun, Ballyvary, at approximately 10am when his van was struck by the Ballina-to-Manulla Junction feeder train.
The postal van was pushed along the railway line for a short distance before finally landing in an adjacent field.
Locals at the scene rushed to Mr Canning’s assistance before the arrival of the Gardaí, ambulance personnel and fire-service crews.
According to a statement released after the incident by Iarnród Éireann, Mr Canning’s vehicle was on the line when it was hit at the user-operated level crossing.
The train was carrying 13 passengers, who were  brought by minibus to Manulla Junction. None of the train passengers sustained any injuries. The train driver also escaped injury.