Freight train collides with car at Athlone level crossing

Iarnrod Éireann is reportedly investigating a collision between a freight train and a car near Athlone, Co Westmeath, earlier this week.

Iarnrod Eireann is investigating a collision between a freight train and a van near Athlone, Co Westmeath, earlier this week.

The company said the van owner abandoned his vehicle on the tracks near a user-operated level crossing close to the Willow Park estate on Monday night.

It was then struck by the oncoming Dublin to Ballina train at around 11pm.

Nobody was hurt in the incident and train was neither derailed nor damaged.

The car was eventually removed from the tracks with heavy lifting equipment and the train continued its journey.

Athlone gardaí are also investigating the matter.