Emergency services attend scene of Mayo level crossing collision

The line between Westport and Athlone remains closed

The emergency services have attended the scene of a serious collision between a train and a car off the N60 near Ballyhaunis.

The train, which was travelling from Heuston Station to Westport, collided with the car at a user-operated level crossing at Kiltybo, near Ballyhaunis, shortly before 9 p.m. last night.

There were "a number of occupants" in the car, Irish Rail confirmed, with gardaí describing the collision as "serious."

Further details are not available at this stage.

The line will remains closed until further notice as a replacement bus will operate between Westport and Athlone this morning.

Ballina and Manulla services will operate through to Claremorris.

Knock-on delays are expected on Galway route services.

In a statement, Iarnród Éireann said: "Our thoughts are with everyone affected."

"A sincere thank you to all passengers/staff for your patience, understanding and cooperation during this challenging day," it said.

The collision was the second disruption on the Westport/Dublin line yesterday.

Passengers travelling in both directions were delayed when a train struck a tractor at a level crossing between Portarlington and Tullamore.

The train was stopped and bus transfers were arranged.

Passengers on the westbound service were transferred by bus to Athlone where they re-boarded a train to Westport, only for the replacement train to be involved in the second incident near Ballyhaunis last night.

Emergency services also attended the scene and one person was taken to hospital for treatment of minor injuries.