Iarnród Eireann investigates runaway train

A near-collision between a runaway locomotive and a passenger train is being investigated by Iarnród Eireann.

Two unoccupied diesel locomotives on the Dublin to Rosslare line left Arklow Station last Thursday in the direction of Rathdrum Station some 13 miles away. At the same time, the Dublin to Rosslare passenger train was entering the station.

Alerted to the runaway train, passengers from this train alighted at Rathdrum before completing their journey to Dublin on a bus, as a precautionary measure.

A spokesman for Iarnród Éireann said emergency procedures were implemented and the runaway train was diverted before coming to a halt on an incline. Even if the runaway train had continued to Rathdrum it would have passed into a siding, the company said.

The company is now seeking to establish whether the incident was caused by a technical fault or human error.