A 12-year-old boy has died after a train hit a car at a level crossing near Ballyhaunis in Mayo.

The collision happened at Kiltybo at around 8.45pm on Thursday night on the 18.15 Dublin Heuston to Westport service.

The boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the car, a man aged in his 40s, was taken to hospital with non life-threatening injuries.

Gardaí say all passengers on the train safely disembarked and onward transport was arranged.

A technical examination of the scene in Co Mayo will be carried out by Forensic Collision Investigators.

Gardai say the Coroner has been notified and the boy's body has been removed to the mortuary at Mayo University Hospital where a post-mortem examination will be arranged.

The line between Westport and Athlone remained closed on Friday morning with bus transfers in operation between Westport and Athlone.

Earlier on Thursday afternoon, a train struck a tractor near Tullamore in Co Offaly shortly before 4pm.