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A 12-year-old boy has died after the car he was in was struck by a train on Thursday night in Co Mayo, Ireland, police have said.
The collision occurred at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis shortly after 8:45pm yesterday.
The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.
The line between Westport and Athlone was closed after the incident until further notice.
The driver of the car, a man in his late 40s, was taken from the scene by ambulance for hospital treatment.
His injuries are not considered life-threatening.
The Irish police service, An Garda Síochána, said passengers on the train safely disembarked and onward transport was arranged.
A technical examination of the scene will be carried out by Forensic Collision Investigators.
A 12-year-old boy has died after the car he was in was struck by a train (stock image)
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The road remained closed on Friday morning.
The boy’s remains were removed to Mayo University Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) said "significant disruption” was expected, with bus transfers operating this morning.
In a post on social media platform X, it said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by today’s incidents.
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The boy was pronounced dead at the scene (stock image)
|PA
They added: "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."
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.
The collision was the second disruption on the Westport to Dublin line on Thursday.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward (stock image)
|PA
Bus transfers were arranged for passengers when a train struck a tractor at a level crossing between Portarlington and Tullamore.
Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) routinely highlights level crossings on the tracks as one of the greatest safety risks on the national rail network.
They reported 31 level-crossing incidents in just the first five months of 2026.
There are over 900 active level crossings across Ireland.