Rail disaster averted

Quick-thinking by a rail worker and a passer-by headed off a potential train crash disaster.

The two men managed to attract the attention of a passenger train driver as it headed at speed towards a lorry that had jack-knifed on a level crossing in Co Longford and could not be moved.

The incident happened last night soon after the crowded Dublin-Sligo train left Edgesworthtown station less than a mile from the crossing.

Rail linesman Mark Cassidy spotted the crashed lorry and ran up the track waving a red flag after setting warning detonators on the track with local man Liam Kerrigan.

Mr Cassidy said today: ‘‘It was imperative that we stopped the train before it collided with the lorry.

‘‘I was only acting within the scope of my duties. The driver of the train was very vigilant and brought it to a halt as soon as he saw us.’’

The train’s 250 passengers completed their journey by bus. Police and Irish Rail officials were investigating the accident today.

A rail company spokesman said: ‘‘A potentially horrific accident was averted by the actions of these men.’’