Investigation into collision at level crossing in Co Mayo 

Iarnród Éireann has launched an investigation into a level crossing collision between a train and a car in Co Mayo on Saturday.

Iarnród Éireann has launched an investigation into the level crossing collision between a train and a car in Co Mayo on Saturday.

The incident happened when the 12:45 pm Heuston to Westport service collided with the car at the Prendergasts Level Crossing on a minor road near Garryredmond between Ballyhaunis and Claremorris at around 3.3pm.

The adult male driver of the vehicle and the teenage male front passenger were both airlifted to Galway University Hospital where their condition has been described as “stable”.

It is understood the two men injured are brothers, aged 20 and 16.

They are thought to be from Clifden, Co Galway, some 95 km away from the scene of the accident.

Gardaí, Mayo County Council Fire Service, the National Ambulance Service with the assistance of Irish Coast Guard, Rescue 118 from Sligo, and Irish Air Corp helicopter based at Baldonnel were involved in the initial response.

Iarnród Éireann staff attended at the time to help 190 customers on board the train and to ensure the line could be safely reopened.

There were no injuries on the train which was crossing a user-operated crossing point at the time of the incident.

An Iarnród Éireann spokesperson said: "The crossing is fully compliant with our technical standards, with clear sight lines on a long straight section of track, and gated with all warning signs in place.

"It is not a crossing which has seen incidents of this nature previously.

"We will of course investigate the incident, and remind all users of user-operated crossings to cross carefully at all times and always close the gates after use, for their own safety and that of other users."

Buses were arranged for the passengers on board, who were assisted back along the track to the level crossing by Iarnród Éireann staff with the assistance and permission of Gardaí.

The line reopened at 9pm on Saturday night and services were running as normal yesterday.

Unattended railway crossings are found on minor roads.

They are usually guarded by iron gates which open out, away from the railway.

As these crossings can be dangerous to use, Iarnród Éireann advise on their website it is better to cross at a bridge or an attended or automated railway crossing if possible.

However, they say if you have to cross, you should always expect a train.