Cork train station reopens after roof collapse

A train was stopped at one of the platforms at the time, although was not in service.

(Image Credit: Noel Doran)

Updated 21:18

KENT RAILWAY STATION in Cork has partially reopened following the collapse of the roof over two platforms.

Emergency services were called to the scene after one person was injured when the canopy collapsed over platforms 1 and 2 at the station this afternoon.

It is believed high winds and torrential rain may have caused damage to the canopies, although a full investigation will be conducted into the cause.

The person’s injuries are not thought to be life-threatening. Two other people were examined by paramedics at the scene but did not require further medical attention.

A train, which was not in service, was stopped at one of these platforms at the time of the collapse.

Irish Rail said this evening that platforms 1 and 2 will be closed until further notice. Services will operate on the remaining three platforms at the station.

The train services from Heuston in Dublin will travel all the way to Cork up until the 9pm train tonight. After that, services will operate as a bus transfer to Mallow with a train onwards to Heuston.

Services to Cork and Midleton remain suspended.

Irish Rail said Cork-Heuston services and Cork-Cobh-Midleton services will operate as normal tomorrow morning but may be subject to minor delays.

Cork City Fire Service said they have dealt with other possible roof collapses in the city due to the adverse weather conditions today.

A 50mph speed limit has also been imposed for the remainder of the night on all rail services between Ballinasloe to Galway, Castlerea to Westport, Manulla Junction to Ballina, Dromod to Sligo.

Local resident Noel Doran told TheJournal.ie the weather was so severe at the time “it was like a wall of wind and rain”, with some of those in the area at the time saying it was ‘like a tornado’.

“From what we could see, emergency services were on the scene within literally minutes”, he said, “there were at least six or seven ambulances”.

“A literal fleet of buses arrived as well to take passengers away, no one seemed to hanging around long”.

He said a stretch of the Lower Glanmire Road, outside the station, is covered in debris, and gardaí have closed off the footpaths.

These two platforms handle the Cork-Cobh and Cork-Midleton services.