UPDATE: Undercarriage fire near gearbox halts Dublin to Westport train

An incident on an Iarnród Éireann train service this afternoon from Westport to Dublin has forced passengers to disembark the service close to Roscommon town.

In a statement to The Mayo News, Irish Rail explained that a fire developed in the undercarriage area near the gearbox of one carriage on the 12.45pm Heuston to Westport service, between Athlone and Roscommon near Glanduff Level Crossing.

"The fire was confined to this area, and no part of the passenger area of the train was affected. Fire suppression systems activated and the driver used fire extinguishers and the fire was put out. As a precaution and due to smoke, the driver arranged for customers to move from the relevant carriage to an adjoining carriage, and the fire services were alerted and attended."

One passenger on the train who spoke to The Mayo News said there was initial consternation on the train as it was unclear where the smoke was coming from.

WATCH Passengers disembark after fire on Mayo-bound train

Rge Irish Rail spokesperson added that "we have arranged bus transfers, and approximately 100 customers on board have been detrained and brought to the level crossing, where the buses are being dispatched. Disruption is expected on the Dublin / Westport route until further notice, and we apologise for the inconvenience caused to customers on this train and on later trains which may be delayed or require bus transfers."