Tragic aunt & niece tried to jump clear of train

Jessica killed and Rebecca is hurt in collision, Tributes to women after rail track horror

- PAUL HEALY

AN inquiry has been launched after a woman was killed and her niece seriously injured after they were struck by a train yesterday. 

Jessica McLoughlin, who was in her 40s, passed away after she was hit by the Irish Rail service at Ballisodare, Co Sligo.

Her niece Rebecca McLoughlin, who is in her 20s, survived the incident and was brought to Sligo University Hospital, where her condition was last night described as stable.

It is understood the women, who are from Sligo town, were out walking together when the incident occurred.

Tragically the pair were both hit by the oncoming train which was bound for Dublin’s Connolly Station.

More than 100 passengers were stuck on board for hours as emergency services and gardai surrounded the scene.

Later, passengers were transferred via buses as Irish Rail announced the serious incident had led to diversions being put in place.

The tragedy sent shockwaves across the community, with local Sinn Fein TD Martin Kenny extending his sympathies.