A 12-year-old boy has died after the car he was travelling in was struck by a train at a level crossing in Co Mayo.

The collision happened shortly before 9pm on Wednesday at a user-operated crossing in Kiltybo, near Ballyhaunis.

The young boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

A man in his late 40s, who was also travelling in the car, was taken to hospital by ambulance. His injuries are understood to be non-life-threatening.

The train involved was travelling from Dublin Heuston to Westport when the collision occurred.

All passengers on board the train were safely evacuated, and alternative transport was arranged.

Iarnród Éireann said: ‘Our thoughts are with everyone affected.’

The rail operator has confirmed that the line between Westport and Athlone will remain closed until further notice, with passengers warned to expect significant disruption to services this morning.

Bus transfers are being put in place for affected passengers, including services between Westport and Athlone, while Ballina to Manulla services will operate via Claremorris.

Passengers who have already bought tickets but no longer wish to travel can apply for a refund, Iarnród Éireann said.

The crash was the second major incident to disrupt the Dublin-Westport route on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, a train struck a tractor at a level crossing between Portarlington and Tullamore, causing delays to services in both directions.

Passengers on the westbound service were transferred by bus to Athlone, where they boarded another train bound for Westport.

That replacement service was later involved in the fatal collision near Ballyhaunis.

Emergency services rushed to the scene following the crash, with one person taken to hospital. The circumstances surrounding the collision are now being investigated.