A 12-year-old boy named locally as Eoin Doyle has died after the car he was travelling in with his father was struck by a train at a level crossing near Ballyhaunis, County Mayo.
The collision happened shortly before 8.45pm on Thursday, September 3, at the user-operated crossing in Kiltybo. Gardaà and emergency services attended, but the boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
His father, who was driving the car, was taken by ambulance to hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
The train was the Dublin Heuston to Westport service. All passengers on board were able to leave the train safely and onward transport was arranged.
Gardaà said a technical examination of the scene would be carried out by forensic collision investigators. The road remained closed while the investigation continued and the coroner was notified.
Investigators are appealing for witnesses, particularly road users and pedestrians who were near Kiltybo between 8.15pm and 9.15pm and may have dashcam or other camera footage.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Ballina Garda station on 096 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Iarnród Éireann said it had begun a full investigation into the collision and expressed its deepest sympathies to the boy’s family.
