Roscommon rail passengers face serious disruption following train crash
Iarnród Éireann advised passengers to expect significant disruptions to services operating to and from Westport today. Pic: iStock
Rail passengers, including those in County Roscommon, face significant disruption today, Friday, following a serious collision between a train and a car near Ballyhaunis on Thursday evening.
The 6.15 p.m. service from Dublin’s Heuston station to Westport hit a car at a crossing outside Ballyhaunis just before 9 p.m.. Emergency services attended the scene and it’s understood the car had several occupants.
The incident occurred on a user-operated level crossing at Kiltybo, located about a kilometre outside the town on a secondary road intersecting with the nearby N60.
The train was travelling westbound when it struck the vehicle. Gardaí closed the road and local diversions were put in place. The line between Westport and Athlone remains closed until further notice.
Iarnród Éireann have advised passengers to expect significant disruptions to services operating to and from Westport on Friday following the collision. The line includes stops in Castlerea, Roscommon town and Athlone.
Replacement bus transfers will operate from Westport and Athlone this morning.
In a message posted on social media last night, the rail company said: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected by today's incidents. 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 cooperation during this challenging day."
It was the second collision on the Westport/Dublin line on Thursday. Earlier, a train collided with a tractor at around 4 p.m. when it was attempting to cross the rail line at another user-operated crossing near Tullamore.
Emergency services attended the scene and one person was taken to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
The train that struck the tractor was the 1.10 p.m. Westport to Heuston station service. Passengers on the westbound service were transferred by bus to Athlone where they boarded another train to Westport, only for that replacement service to become involved in the second incident near Ballyhaunis.
