The young man who died after being struck by a train on Wednesday night in Co Meath was the victim of a tragic accident which occurred while he was trying to take a shortcut across the tracks, gardaí believe.
The incident happened near the Gormanstown train station shortly before 9.30pm. The man, who was aged in his 20s, has been named locally as Jonathan Flanagan.
Gardaí believe Mr Flanagan and a friend were attempting to take a shortcut, walking across the tracks, when he was hit by a fast moving train, according to a Garda source.
He was treated for his injuries by first responders at the scene but died later. His body has been removed from the scene and taken to Navan mortuary. A second man received minor injuries during the incident.
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Local Fine Gael councillor Sharon Tolan said the community was “shocked” by the incident and the “loss of a young life”.
Ms Tolan said it would be “very unusual” to have an incident on the train tracks. “People are just in shock, it’s completely horrific,” she said.
