Emergency services responded to a serious incident in County Mayo on Thursday evening after the 6.15pm rail service from Dublin’s Heuston station to Westport struck a car at a user-operated crossing near Ballyhaunis. According to Iarnród Éireann, the collision occurred just before 9pm and involved a vehicle carrying several occupants at a crossing located about one kilometer outside the town.
Railway Line Closures and Thursday Travel Disruptions
The rail line is scheduled to remain closed overnight between Westport and Athlone while Gardaí maintain a presence at the scene in Kiltybo, Ballyhaunis. An Garda Síochána confirmed that the local road is currently closed with diversions in place following the evening collision. Passengers traveling to and from Westport should expect significant disruption on Friday morning, as stated by an Irish Rail spokeswoman.
The Thursday accident in County Mayo represented the second time that day that a train hit a vehicle at a crossing along the Westport route. Earlier on Thursday afternoon, a train collided with a tractor attempting to cross the rail line at a user-operated crossing near Tullamore, County Offaly. That earlier incident involved the 1.10pm Westport to Heuston station service, prompting emergency services to attend and transport one person to hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.
Did You Know? The evening collision in County Mayo occurred at a user-operated crossing situated about 1km outside the town, involving the 6.15pm service from Dublin’s Heuston station to Westport.
Friday Morning Bus Substitutions and Alternative Routes
As a result of the afternoon crash close to Tullamore, rail journeys in both directions were halted, requiring passengers to take buses to Athlone to catch connecting trains. Transport officials at Irish Rail announced late on Thursday that replacement bus services would be arranged heading to Athlone for the 5.15am and 7.15am departures from Westport on Friday.
Furthermore, the rail operator stated that journeys originating in Ballina will utilize buses as far as Athlone, allowing travelers to transfer to alternative services there. The rail operator shared a statement on X expressing that thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s incidents and thanked passengers and staff for their patience, understanding and co-operation during this challenging day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time did the train strike the car in County Mayo?
Shortly before 9pm, the 6.15pm train departing Dublin’s Heuston station bound for Westport collided with an automobile at a level crossing near Ballyhaunis.
How many incidents involving vehicles and trains occurred on Thursday?
This event stands as the second occasion on Thursday where a Westport line train struck a vehicle at a crossing, following the earlier mishap near Tullamore.
What alternative transport is available for Friday morning commuters?
Late Thursday night, Irish Rail announced that bus transfers will operate to Athlone for Friday’s 5.15am and 7.15am departures out of Westport, while routes starting in Ballina will rely on buses to reach Athlone for ongoing rail connections.
How are you adjusting your travel plans around the ongoing rail line closures and bus substitutions?
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