Horror as boy, 12, dies after train crashes into car at Co Mayo level crossing just hours after Offaly tractor smash

A CHILD has died following a collision between a car and a train in Co Mayo last night. The 12-year-old boy and a man in his 40s were travelling in the car when the horrific crash took place at a user-operated level crossing in Kiltybo, near Ballyhaunis, at around 8.45pm. The level crossing is located on a secondary road that intersects with the N60 The horrific crash took place at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis Credit: Google Streetview The boy was pronounced dead at the scene and the driver was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries not thought to be life-threatening. The train involved was the Westport service from Dublin. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! No passengers on the train were injured and they were safely disembarked while onward transport was arranged. It is understood passengers remained on the train until around midnight as emergency services attended to the scene. Gardai have closed the road and sealed off the scene of the fatal incident as Forensic Collision Investigators conduct a technical examination of the scene. The Coroner has been notified and the body of the young boy has been removed to the mortuary at Mayo University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be arranged. It was the second railway crossing incident on the Westport to Dublin line that took place yesterday. A man was hospitalised following a crash on the Irish Rail line at Meelaghans in Tullamore, Co Offaly at around 3:50pm. Most read in The Sun The collision took place when a train struck a tractor crossing the line. Irish Rail said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s incidents. “We’ll continue to do our best to provide clear and timely updates as info becomes available. “A sincere thank you to all passengers/staff for your patience, understanding and cooperation during this challenging day.” Train services to Westport have been halted, with Irish Rail confirming the line will remain closed until further notice, with Ballina to Manulla services running through to Claremorris. Replacement bus transfers will operate from Westport to Athlone this morning. In a statement this morning, investigating gardai urged anyone who may have witnessed the fatal collision in Ballyhaunis to come forward. A spokesperson for the force said: “Gardai are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward. “Road users and pedestrians with camera footage (including dash-cam) who were in the area of Kiltybo, Ballyhaunis, Co Mayo, on Thursday 3rd September 2026 between 8.15pm and 9.15pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardai. “Anyone with any information is asked to contact Ballina Garda Station on (096) 20560, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.” Comment now