Family and friends of a young dad who was tragically killed by an express train in Co Meath were being comforted last night as news of the horror death emerged.
Named locally as Jonathan Flanagan, 22, from Bettystown in Co Meath but living in Balbriggan, Co Dublin, his death has left local communities numbed and shocked.
It is believed Jonathan and a pal, in his 30s, were taking a shortcut via the railway tracks at Gormanston Train Station when a Dublin to Belfast express train collided with the two men.
It is understood the horror tragedy happened shortly before 9.30pm on Wednesday night.
Mr Flanagan, who was living close to the area, was treated at the scene by emergency services but he was later pronounced dead. His body was taken to Navan mortuary for a post mortem examination.
His pal, aged in his 30s, was treated for shock at the scene.
Local councillor Sharon Tolan said the whole community in Bettystown is “absolutely shocked.”
“Everyone is in shock,” Cllr Tolan told this paper. “It is horrific for the family and for any family to lose someone so young so tragically. Losing a child is the most unnatural thing to happen, especially in such a tragic way,” said Cllr Tolan.
“My thoughts and the thoughts of the wider community are with his heartbroken family and friends at this time.”
Cllr Tolan also said her thoughts are also with the train driver, who is understood to have been treated for shock.
Meanwhile, tributes have poured out online for Mr Flanagan, who was an avid Celtic Football Club supporter, and came from a popular and well-known family who ran post offices in Skerries and Bettystown.
A close pal told this paper: “Everyone is in shock. We can’t get our heads around what has happened. It’s just so, so tragic.”
Heartbroken pals wrote on social media: “I can’t get my head around it all, he will be missed forever,” “Rest in peace Johnny, you will be sadly missed.”
Another grieving pal simply wrote: “Heartbroken. Rest in peace. Love you always.”
“Rest in peace pal. Terrible news. Condolences to your family Jonathan Flanagan,” another pal wrote.
A series of investigations are underway following the tragic death of Mr Flanagan.
Train services had to be suspended in the area for several hours following the incident, which it is understood gardaí are treating as an accident.
Irish Rail said it is also investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, while the Railway Accident Investigation Unit said it is carrying out a preliminary investigation.
Irish Rail has extended its sympathies to the family and friends of the man who died and said it is investigating all circumstances surrounding the collision.
The company has also reiterated the importance of "acting safely" at all times near train tracks. The Railway Accident Investigation Unit has said it is "currently carrying out a preliminary investigation" into the incident.
The RAIU said the purpose of its investigations is "to improve railway safety by establishing insofar as possible the causes of an accident with a view to making safety recommendations for the avoidance of similar accidents in the future."
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