Gardai had to remove a man from the Dublin – Sligo train in Boyle on Thursday evening following reports of a fire on board.
Eye witnesses spoke of panic as an individual allegedly started a fire in a carriage on the evening service from Connolly. There were also reports of passengers who confronted the man being allegedly subject to attempted assault.
One passenger said “I’m honestly shaken (after the incident). Something seriously needs to be done to protect passengers on public trains”.
Footage of a fire on the walkway of a carriage were circulating on social media on Thursday night.
A spokesperson for Irish Rail said “An individual vandalised seating and flooring on the 19.00hrs Sligo to Dublin service. The carriage in question was locked off as staff used an extinguisher to prevent damage. Gardai were called and removed an individual at Boyle”.
The spokesperson added that it was not correct that the train was evacuated but confirmed there was a delay of 45 minutes in Boyle while the incident was dealt with.
