Trains suspended on Laois Offaly stretch of rail line after crash
Line shut between Portarlington and Tullamore after tractor train incident
Services remain suspended until further notice between Portarlington and Tullamore in both directions, according to Irish Rail.
The train company said on Thursday night, September 3, that buses were in operation between Athlone/Tullamore & Portarlington to facilitate passengers affected by a crash between a tractor and a Mayo to Dublin train earlier in the day.
Iaranród Éireann said in an X post that the Westport and Galway services could expect significant delays.
The company added, however, that the Laois Offaly stretch of the line was expected to reopen overnight.
“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,” said the company in a statement.
People travelling between Mayo and Dublin were also impacted later on Thursday when Irish Rail revealed that Westport services would not operate following a vehicle collision with a train at Ballyhaunis. It said emergency services are attending the scene.
A man in Offaly was hospitalised after the collision between a tractor and a train on the Portarlington to Tullamore stretch of rail track near the Offaly town.
Gardai and emergency services were deployed to the scene of the incident involving a Mayo to Dublin service at the Meelaghans, Tullamore, on Thursday, September 3, at about 3.50 pm.
It is understood that a male was taken to hospital for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life-threatening. There were no reports of injuries on the train.