Victims of horror Sligo rail incident named as train driver desperately tried to warn women before they were struck
A TRAIN driver desperately tried to warn two women before they were struck as they walked along the tracks yesterday.
Jessica McLoughlin, in her 40s, was killed and her niece Rebecca, 25, was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
She was last night fighting for her life in Sligo University Hospital.
The pair were struck by the 3.05pm InterCity Sligo to Dublin’s Connolly Station service.
They were hit at Knox Park, in Ballysadare, about 7km from Sligo town, at around 3.30pm.
Both women are understood to be from the local area.
Sligo Fine Gael councillor Thomas Walsh told The Irish Sun: “My thoughts are with everyone involved, both the families, the local community, the emergency services, the first responders in particular, and the train driver — who I understand did as much as possible to alert the ladies who appear to have been on the line.”
Sligo TD Marc MacSharry added: “It’s a horrific tragedy for the women and the entire community.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with them and the staff and passengers of Irish Rail who must be in terrible shock.”
A number of people paid tribute to Jessica online after news of her death emerged last night.
Most read in Irish News
One person said: "A dark cloud over Sligo this evening, my thoughts are with the family at this sad time.
"May god give ye the strength to get through this and help ye over the coming days ahead.
"RIP Jessica McLoughlin, may heaven be your best bed."
Another wrote: "Rest in paradise Jessica McLoughlin, thinking of all the family at this sad time. Hope you get the best bed in heaven."
Someone else said: "RIP Jessica McLoughlin, sadly missed by family and friends."
The Irish Rail service was carrying around 100 passengers.
It was immediately suspended and Garda investigators closed the road between Ballysadare and Collooney following the smash.
A Defence Forces helicopter was at the scene up until just after 5pm.
The passengers disembarked shortly before 6pm before being taken to Boyle train station by bus to continue their onward journey.
Irish Rail’s Jane Cregan last night said: “Thankfully, no one on board the train was injured.
“But obviously, it has been very distressing for everybody who has been on board that train."
Gardai said the local coroner has been notified about the crash.
INQUIRY UNIT
As well as a probe by the Gardai into the tragedy, it will also be subject to an inquiry by the Railway Accident Investigation Unit.
The organisation is tasked with probing any fatalities or serious injuries on the rail network and makes recommendations in a bid to avoid similar incidents in the future.
And Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny last night said he was thinking of the injured woman as she battled in hospital.
He said: “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 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 treated for serious injuries in Sligo University Hospital.
“I want to commend the quick action of our emergency services in attending the scene so promptly.”
RAPID RESPONSE
Cllr Walsh backed up those sentiments, adding: “I just want to emphasise again how thankful we are to the local community and the local emergency services who responded rapidly.”
Cops last night said: “Gardai and emergency services are currently at the scene of an incident which occurred on the train line at Knocks Park, Ballisadare, Co Sligo this afternoon, Wednesday, 14th June, 2023.
“One female pedestrian aged in her 40s, was fatally injured and her body remains at the scene.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
“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.”
