Boy, 12, dies after car-train crash at Mayo level crossing

Shocking news.

Shortly after 8:45pm on Thursday (3 September), Gardaí and emergency services responded to reports of the collision at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis.

The 12-year-old boy was a passenger in the car. He was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The driver of the car, a man in his late 40s, was taken from the scene by ambulance for hospital treatment.

His injuries are said to be "not life-threatening".

All passengers on the train safely disembarked, and onward transport was arranged, a Garda spokesperson said.

"A technical examination of the scene will be carried out by Forensic Collision Investigators," the spokesperson added.

"The Coroner has been notified, and the deceased has been removed to the mortuary at Mayo University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be arranged.

"Gardaí 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, 3 September 2026 between 8.15pm and 9.15pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí."

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.

In a statement to JOE on Friday morning, Irish Rail said the following about the crash: "Iarnród Éireann expresses our deepest sympathies to the family of the young boy who tragically lost his life at a level crossing in Kiltybo near Ballyhaunis yesterday evening.

"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.

"Thank you to all who responded to this tragic incident for the professionalism and care shown to those involved.

"Iarnród Éireann immediately commenced a full investigation into the incident and has advised the relevant authorities.

"The line will remain closed between Westport and Athlone until further notice, and replacement bus services are being provided. Ballina to Manulla services will operate to Claremorris with onward bus transfer to Athlone. Knock-on delays are expected on Galway route services."

Main image via Adobe Stock/Rolling News