Woman killed by train after falling onto track

Victim in her 50s was waiting at Raheny station today as commuter train approached

A woman has died after being struck by a train when she fell onto the tracks at Raheny Dart station in Dublin this afternoon.

The woman in her mid-50s accidentally fell onto the track as she was waiting for the northbound Dart at about 1.45pm, Irish Rail said in a statement.

The incident happened as the Pearse to Drogheda commuter train, which does not stop at Raheny, was approaching.

It was not possible to stop the train before it struck the woman, despite the emergency brakes being applied by the driver and a woman on the southbound platform alerting the driver, Irish Rail said.

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The woman, who lived locally, was taken by emergency services to Beaumot Hospital but died as a result of her injuries.

In a statement Irish Rail expressed its “sympathies to the victim’s family and friends for their tragic loss”. The driver of the train will receive counselling and support , Irish Rail said.

The train line between Howth Junction and Connolly station was closed for about an hour as emergency services including gardai and fire brigade attended the scene.

Passengers remained on board the train as emergency services attended. However they were moved to the rear of the train away from where the emergency services were helping the woman.

Genevieve Carbery

Genevieve Carbery

Genevieve Carbery is Deputy Head of Audience at The Irish Times