RIP: Boy, 12, dies after train hits car at level crossing in Mayo

Gardai are appealing for witnesses after a young boy died when the car he was travelling in was struck by a train in County Mayo.

The incident, the second collision involving a train on Thursday, happened at a level crossing at Kiltybo close to Ballyhaunis, shortly after 8.45pm.

“A passenger in the car, a 12-year-old boy, was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver of the car, a male in his late 40s, was taken from the scene by ambulance for hospital treatment,” said a garda spokesperson who confirmed the man’s injuries are not life-threatening.

Iarnród Éireann says all passengers who were on the Westport-bound train safely disembarked and onward transport by bus was arranged.

Gardai say a technical examination of the scene will be carried out by Forensic Collision Investigators.

The road remains closed at this time and rail services between Wesport and Athlone remain suspended.

The local coroner has been notified and the body of the deceased has been removed to the mortuary at Mayo University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be arranged.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.

Road users and pedestrians with camera footage, including dash-cam, who were in the area between 8.15pm and 9.15pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on (096) 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.

Iarnód Éireann has also launched an investigation into the incident.