Boy, 12, dies after car hit by train

A 12-year-old boy has died after a car was hit by a train at a level crossing in County Mayo.

Gardaí (Irish police) and emergency services responded to reports of a collision involving a train and a car in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis at about 20:45 local time on Thursday.

A passenger in the car, a 12-year-old boy, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, a man in his late 40s, was taken by ambulance for hospital treatment but his injuries are not life-threatening.

All passengers on the train safely disembarked.

The train was travelling from Heuston Station in Dublin to Westport in Mayo.

A technical examination of the scene will be carried out by Forensic Collision Investigators and the road remains closed.

The Coroner has been notified and the boy 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.

Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) described it as a "tragic incident" and expressed their "deepest sympathies" to the family of the young boy who died.

They said they have "commenced a full investigation into the incident".

The line will remain closed between Westport and Athlone until further notice and replacement bus services are being provided.

Ballina to Manulla services will operate to Claremorris with onward bus transfer to Athlone. Knock-on delays are expected on Galway route services.