A train has been involved in a collision with a herd of cows in Co. Offaly, according to Iarnrod Eireann.
Revealing the news on its Twitter page, Iarnrod Eireann announced that a cross-country train going from Heuston to Galway was involved in the incident – adding that significant delays are expected for the rest of the day.
In tweets, the national railway service provider said: “15:35 Heuston Galway has hit a herd of cows near Tullamore. Expect significant delays to this service and all Galway/Westport services as a result. Update to follow.”
This was followed with an update some 20 minutes later, adding: “Significant delays expected to Galway and Westport services for the remainder of the evening due to a herd of cows hit on the line near Tullamore.”
Update: Significant delays expected to Galway and Westport services for the remainder of the evening due to a herd of cows hit on the line near Tullamore https://t.co/eohFpGysFL
— Iarnród Éireann (@IrishRail) June 28, 2018
At present, it is unclear exactly how many cows were killed or injured in the incident. However, according to RTE News, rail workers reportedly found three or four cattle dead on the rail tracks, with more thought to be beneath the engine.
In addition a Twitter user, thought to be at the scene, tweeted: “My train hit seven cows on railway track 4km from Tullamore. Stuck for a few hours. Hopefully rescue train coming to bring to bus. Poor cows..”
My train hit 7 cows on railway track 4km from tullamore. Stuck for a few hours. Hopefully rescue train coming to bring to bus. Poor cows..
— daisylady (@daisylady) June 28, 2018
Bull struck by train in the UK
In recent weeks, a bull was struck by the a train in the UK on a stretch of line between Lydney and Gloucester.
Delays followed the incident, as lines were blocked in both directions. It was reported that the bull ended up being lodged underneath the locomotive.
Safety examinations had to be carried out before the service got back up and running.