Rail passengers have been hit by major disruption after a train collided with a tractor in Co Offaly yesterday afternoon.
The dramatic incident happened near Tullamore shortly before 4pm on Thursday, bringing services to a standstill between Portarlington and Tullamore.
The Westport-to-Dublin train was involved in the collision, with emergency crews rushing to the scene.
One man was taken to hospital following the crash. His injuries are understood to be non-life-threatening.
The collision has left the railway line closed while crews work to deal with the aftermath.
Iarnród Éireann confirmed that the 1.10pm Westport to Heuston service was stopped at the scene, while the 2.48pm Heuston-to-Westport train was held at Geashill.
Passengers caught up in the disruption are being offered bus transfers as rail services remain suspended between the two stations.
The incident is also expected to cause knock-on delays for passengers travelling further along the route.
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene, with an investigation now under way into the circumstances surrounding the collision.
A Garda statement said, ‘Gardai and emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident involving a train and a tractor, at the Meelaghans, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, that occurred this afternoon, Thursday 3rd September 2026 at approximately 3.50pm.
A male has been conveyed to hospital for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life-threatening at this time.’
Iarnród Éireann has advised passengers affected by the disruption to check for updates before travelling as efforts continue to clear the line and restore services.
Update: Services remain suspended between Portarlington and Tullamore until further notice.
Bus Transfers departed Portarlington and will travel to Athlone, where passengers can transfer onto a train service.
More buses are being arranged
Update to follow shortly. -AD https://t.co/jdw3pMVzkL
— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) September 3, 2026
