The train driver, who tested negative for drugs and alcohol, was temporarily stood down following the incident.

In one incident near Clonygowan, Co Offaly, a worker walking on the track had their back to a train approaching at 127km/h and only moved clear with less than 3 seconds to spare.

The accident occurred when a freight train used for carrying timber crashed into an empty passenger train

An investigation by the Railway Accident Investigation Unit found the piece of broken rail had only been installed less than a month earlier.