A boy was killed and his dad was hurt after a train smashed into their car at a level crossing in Ireland.
The crash happened at a rural rail crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis in County Mayo yesterday evening.
The 12-year-old boy was in the car with his dad when a train from Dublin struck the vehicle.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident at about 8.45pm.
The boy succumbed to his injuries and he was declared dead at the scene.
His dad, aged in his late 40s, who was the driver of the car, was rushed to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
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A post-mortem examination is due to take place at the Mayo University Hospital, where the boy’s body has been taken.
Passengers on the Westport-bound train disembarked uninjured.
The boy, who has not been publicly named, was returning home after training with his dad, the Irish Independent reports.
A local resident told the outlet: ‘Everyone is devastated. He is a beautiful, beautiful boy and they are a loving and happy family.
‘How could this happen to them? We are all in disbelief.’
Iarnród Éireann, the Irish Rail, made a statement this morning, expressing its ‘deepest sympathies to the family of the young boy who tragically lost his life.’
The rail operator said: ‘The 18:15 Heuston to Westport service struck a car in which the boy was travelling at XM160 level crossing at Ballyhaunis Co. Mayo shortly before 21:00hrs. An adult male, also in the car at the time, is in hospital. His injuries are not life-threatening.
‘Emergency services attended the scene and An Garda Síochána remain on site with Iarnród Éireann staff assisting. All passengers on the train safely disembarked and onward transport was arranged.’
Forensic investigators remain at the scene for a technical examination.
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