A woman has died after she and her young niece were struck by a train in a horror collision in Co Sligo.
Jessica McLoughlin, who was in her 40s, tragically died after she was struck by an Irish Rail train at Ballisodare on Wednesday afternoon.
Her niece Rebecca McLoughlin, who is in her 20s, was also struck by the train and was rushed to hospital where her condition was last night being described as very serious.
READ MORE: Sligo train incident: One dead, one seriously injured after being struck on railway track
It is understood that both Jessica and Rebecca, who are from Sligo town, were out walking on the tracks when they suddenly saw the train coming and attempted to jump clear in time.
However tragically the pair were both struck by the oncoming train - which was bound for Connolly Station in Dublin.
The train, which contained over 100 passengers, was stopped for hours following the tragedy as emergency services and gardai surrounded the scene.
Tragic Jessica’s body remained at the scene while Rebecca was rushed to Sligo University Hospital.
Following the collision passengers were transferred via buses as Irish Rail announced that the serious incident had led to diversions being put in place.
Meanwhile the tragedy has sent shockwaves across the community, with local Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny extending his sympathies.
“First and foremost, my thoughts are with those affected by this terrible incident.
"I want to extend my sympathies to the family, friends and community of the lady who has tragically lost her life this evening in Sligo.
“I am sure the people of the northwest will join me in extending our thoughts to the young lady who was also seriously injured in this collision, as she is being treated for serious injuries this evening in Sligo University Hospital.
“I want to commend the quick action of our emergency services in attending the scene so promptly this evening.
"I understand they are still at the scene, and I would ask people travelling through the area affected to heed any diversions that may still be in place.
“This incident will lead to a difficult time ahead for the family and friends of those involved. As a community, we must come together and support them in any way possible”.
Meanwhile Sligo Town Mayor Tom Mac Sharry said: “This is an awful tragedy and the entire community is just in shock over it.
“My thoughts and prayers go to the family of these two women.
“I also want to commend the diligence of the emergency services. They arrived at the scene very quickly and they are a great credit to the community.”
Local councillor Thomas Healy added: “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.”
An Irish Rail spokesperson previously confirmed that two women were struck by the train.
The spokesperson said that “two young girls” were struck by the 15:05 train, which was carrying about 100 passengers on board.
In a statement gardai confirmed the death of a woman in her 40s and said a woman in her 20s had been taken to hospital.
“Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident which occurred on the train line at Knocks Park, Ballisodare, 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,” a spokesperson said.
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