'I promise to do you proud': Woman injured in Sligo train accident pays tribute to 'beautiful' aunt

The woman killed has been named locally as Jessica McLoughlin from Sligo town.

A woman who was injured in a tragic train accident in Sligo has paid tribute from her hospital bed to her aunt who was killed in the same incident.

The two women were believed to have been walking along near the train track when they were struck by one of the carriages of a passing train.

Posting on Facebook, Rebecca McLoughlin, 25, paid a heartbreaking tribute to her aunt Jessica, 40.

“Oh why Jess why did they have to take you," she began. "Why couldn't it have been me. You have four beautiful kids left behind you.

“You didn't deserve this. I'm glad that we got to spend those last moments together though and I'll not forget what I promised you. I’ll not take back my word. I'm in bits here Jess. Why, oh why, did this have to happen.

“My heart is broke. Lying in each other’s arms them last few moments I’ll never forget what you said to me. I’ll cherish that memory for as long as I live and will never forget you.” 

According to Rebecca, the pair “were two peas in a pod” and “more like sisters” or “partners in crime.” 

“At least you’re finally at peace now with nanny and grandad and I promise I'll do you all proud. I’ll never forget you beautiful,” she continued.

Rebecca also promised that she would not let Jessica’s kids forget her and said she would always remind them about how much she loved them.

“Rest in peace my beautiful aunty I don’t know what I'm gonna do without you u were one in a million never be another you I love u so much sleep tight til we meet again,” she concluded.

The scene in Ballysadare, Co Sligo, where one woman has died and another is badly hurt after they were hit by a train travelling from Sligo to Connolly Station in Dublin. Picture date: Wednesday June 14, 2023. Picture: Darek Novak/PA Wire

The incident occurred after the 3.05pm rail service left Sligo for Connolly Station in Dublin.

Emergency services were called to the scene. The driver of the train is believed to have been treated for shock.

Rail services resumed this morning, and the track has since reopened.

Irish Rail spokesperson Jane Cregan confirmed three investigations will now take place, involving the Gardaí, the Railway Accident Investigation Unit, and Iarnrod Éireann’s own internal examination.

She told the Irish Examiner: “The 15.05 service from Sligo to Dublin Connolly struck two women in the vicinity of Ballysadare, shortly after 3pm.

"There were 100 people on board the train, and three investigations are under way”.

The scene in Ballysadare, Co Sligo, where one woman has died and another is badly hurt after they were hit by a train travelling from Sligo to Connolly Station in Dublin. Picture: Darek Novak/PA Wire

The passengers were brought to Boyle in Co Roscommon where they boarded another rail service to Dublin.

Ms McLoughlin's body was removed to Sligo University Hospital from the scene late last night, following a forensic examination.

A postmortem is now expected to be carried out.

In a statement, a Garda spokesperson said: "One female pedestrian aged in her 40s was fatally injured, and her body remains at the scene. A second female aged in her 20s, has been removed from the scene to Sligo University Hospital with serious injuries."

The statement added that the coroner had been notified. A team of forensic investigations examined the area.

The exact nature of the accident on the railway line is still not clear.

Reaction

Local Sligo councillor Marie Casserly told the Irish Examiner that the community was in shock.

“It is horrific, and my sympathy goes out to the families of both women, the woman who passed away to her family and the woman who is injured," she said. 

"They are unsure what exactly happened, but everyone is in shock.

“My thoughts are also with the driver of the train and the passengers — it is an awful shock for them it is such awful news”.

The Sinn Féin TD for Sligo-Leitrim, Martin Kenny, said his thoughts are with those affected.

“I want to extend my sympathies to the family, friends and community of the lady who has tragically lost her life this evening in Sligo,” he said.

“I am sure the people of the north-west will join me in extending our thoughts to the young lady who was also seriously injured in this collision as she is treated for serious injuries this evening in Sligo University Hospital.

“I want to commend the quick action of our emergency services in attending the scene so promptly this evening.” 

Independent TD for the area Marc MacSharry said he has been left shocked by “this horrific and tragic accident”.

He said his thoughts and prayers are with the family of the women, as well as Irish Rail staff and the passengers.