Tragic pensioner struck by train while trying to rescue her dog from tracks

A 70-YEAR-OLD woman was killed while trying to rescue her dog from a train line yesterday.

The tragedy took place in the scenic area of Straide in Co. Mayo on the Manulla to Ballina train line.

Named locally as Bridie McHale, it seems the woman was walking her dog when he escaped onto the tracks. This is believed to have happened while they were crossing at an unmanned junction where the tracks pass over the road.

The dog appears to have run up the track towards Ballina and Ms McHale ran after him. The train came from the opposite direction and sounded the horn.

However, Mrs McHale and her dog were unable to clear the tracks on time.

It’s understood the normal speed for that section of the track is around 97km/h, making it difficult to stop immediately.

There were up to 20 passengers on the train.

Local councillor and chairman of the Castlebar municipal area Michael Kilcoyne was at the scene yesterday afternoon.

He said: ‘Mrs McHale was chasing her dog up the tracks. They live about half a mile away, so they were probably here quite often.

‘Mrs McHale was married here. I would know the family.

‘She was obviously trying to save the dog – he was found dead on the tracks. I’d like to offer my sympathies to the family. It’s very sad when tragedy strikes like this. We’re all saddened by the loss of life.’

A spokesman for Irish Rail said yesterday: ‘Our sympathies are with the family. It appears to be a tragic accident. We are conducting our own investigation.’ He said Mrs McHale was about 60 metres up the track from the nearest level crossing.

‘It would be a shocking incident for any driver. He will receive counselling. Unfortunately, a train driver can’t swerve and it takes a long distance for the train to come to a halt, even when the emergency brake is applied.’

Fine Gael councillor Henry Kenny said: ‘It’s a tragic occurrence for the family and the locality. It’s very sad.’

Emergency services, including the gardaí and fire brigade, attended the scene. Department of Transport officials were also there. In 2008, a man in his 60s was killed at the same junction while crossing in his car.

‘Unfortunately, a train driver can’t swerve’