A woman who survived being hit by a train in Sligo has paid a devastating tribute to her aunt who died in the horror tragedy.
Rebecca McLoughlin and her aunt Jessica McLoughlin were both hit by an Irish Rail train at Ballisodare, Co Sligo yesterday afternoon.
The horror tragedy claimed mother of four Jessica’s life and saw Rebecca rushed to hospital with serious injuries.
Read More: Face of aunt and niece struck as they tried to jump clear of train in Sligo
And now in a heartbreaking post to social media, Rebecca said “why couldn’t it have been me.”
“Oh why Jess. Why did they have to take you.
“Why couldn't it of been me. You have four beautiful kids left behind.
“You didn’t deserve this.”
Rebecca went on to say how she spent those last moments with Jessica, who was tragically declared dead at the train tracks.
“I'm glad that we got to spend those last moments together though and I'll not forget what I promised you.
“I’ll not take my back my word. I’m in bits here Jess.
“Why oh why did this have to happen. My heart is broke lying in each others arms them last few moments.
“I’ll never forget what you said to me. I’ll cherish that memory for as long as I love and will never forget you.
“We were two peas in a pod. More like sisters, partners in crime more like.
“At least you’re finally at peace now with Nanny and granddad and I promise I’ll do you all proud.
“I’ll never forget about you and will always remind them of how much you loved them,” she said.
“Rest in peace my beautiful aunty, I don't know what I'm gonna do without you you.
“You were one in a million. Never be another you.
“I love u so much sleep tight til we meet again,” she added.
Tragically the pair were both struck by the 15:05 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”.
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 females were struck by the train.
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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