WATCH: Passengers forced to disembark Irish Rail train after fire incident

A reported fire on an Irish Rail train heading for Mayo forced passengers to disembark from the service on Wednesday.

The incident, which occurred on the 12.45pm service travelling from Dublin to Westport, has forced passengers to detrain some 15 kilometres from Roscommon town.

No passengers or Irish Rail staff were reported to have been injured. 

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In an update on social media following the incident, Irish rail said Westport services remain suspended until further notice. Staff are sourcing bus transfers for affected services. Irish rail have added updates will follow as further information is available.

In a statement to The Mayo News, Irish Rail explained that a fire developed in the undercarriage area near the gearbox of one carriage on the 12.45pm Heuston to Westport service, between Athlone and Roscommon near Glanduff Level Crossing.

"The fire was confined to this area, and no part of the passenger area of the train was affected. Fire suppression systems activated and the driver used fire extinguishers and the fire was put out. As a precaution and due to smoke, the driver arranged for customers to move from the relevant carriage to an adjoining carriage, and the fire services were alerted and attended."

One passenger on the train who spoke to The Mayo News said there was initial consternation on the train as it was unclear where the smoke was coming from.

"What was clear was that a full emergency response was put in place with a large number of fire and ambulance services, and Gardaí at the Glanduff level crossing when the train stopped. The emergency services, in fairness, were very helpful and thankfully no was injured," said the passenger. 

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Bus transfers were subsequently arranged and approximately 100 customers on board had been detrained and brought to the level crossing, where the buses were being dispatched.

Disruption is expected on the Dublin / Westport route until further notice.

Irish Rail has apologised for the inconvenience caused to customers on this train and on later trains which may be delayed or require bus transfers.