Gardai are at the scene of a horror incident in which women were hit by a train in Sligo.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at Ballsadare, Co Sligo this afternoon after the train struck the pair walking by the tracks.
The shocking incident occurred on the 3:05pm Sligo to Connelly Service.
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Irish Rail have described the incident as “serious”.
Gardai confirmed this evening that one of the two women has sadly passed away.
The woman, who was in her 40s, died at the scene, while the other woman, who is in her 20s, was rushed to hospital.
In a statement gardai said: “Gardai and emergency services are currently at scene of an incident which occurred on the train line at Knocks Park, Ballisadare, Co. Sligo this afternoon, Wednesday 14th June 2023 at approximately 4p.m.
“One female pedestrian aged in her 40s, was fatally injured and her body remains at the scene. A second female, aged in her 20s, has been removed from the scene to Sligo University Hospital with serious injuries.
“The Coroner has been notified. Forensic Collision Investigators are en route to the scene.
"No further information at this time.”
In an update, an Irish Rail spokesperson confirmed to the Irish Mirror that two females were struck by the train.
The spokesperson said they were struck by the 15:05 train, which was carrying about 100 passengers on board.
The train remains at the scene and cannot move until gardai give the go ahead.
It is also understood that the two women were out walking on the tracks and that they made efforts to jump clear of the train but were tragically hit.
Emergency services are still are the scene.
Speaking to the Irish Mirror local councillor Thomas Healy said “my thoughts and prayers go to everyone at the scene.
“The two villages are right between the crash and are very close to one another and everyone is just in shock.
“At present there’s an ambulance and gardai at the scene. The helicopter just left.”
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