Iarnr≤d Eireann is investigating how two locomotives left Arklow station in Co Wicklow and travelled unmanned for three miles in the direction of the oncoming Rosslare boat-train.
The incident happened on November 8th, after the locomotives had been uncoupled from their carriages and positioned on the northbound platform at Arklow station.
At about 8.20 p.m., according to Iarnr≤d ╔ireann, staff at the station noticed the two locomotives were moving slowly out of the station, heading north along the single track line towards Dublin.
An emergency procedure was put into action and a signal sent to Rathdrum station in Co Wicklow to halt the Rosslare express which was heading for Arklow along the same track as the unmanned locomotives. An Iarnr≤d ╔ireann spokesman said a full investigation was under way.
