- Two people are seriously injured after a train derailed near Lewes in East Sussex, according to South East Coast Ambulance Service.
- A major incident was declared following the derailment of a train carrying approximately 150 passengers near Lewes railway station on Thursday afternoon.
- Emergency services responded quickly, evacuating all passengers from the train, which had derailed and flipped on its side.
- Eleven people have been reported injured, including two seriously and nine with less serious injuries.
- The British Transport Police confirmed the major incident and stated that a number of passengers became trapped but have now been safely evacuated.
- The train was traveling from London Victoria to Eastbourne when it derailed, with three carriages coming to rest on their sides.
- Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her concern over the derailment and thanked emergency services for their response.
- The UK’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch has deployed a team of investigators to gather evidence regarding the incident.
- National Rail has warned of major disruption, stating that no trains can run through Lewes and Haywards Heath until further notice.
Eleven people have been injured, including two seriously, when a train carrying approximately 150 passengers derailed near Lewes railway station in East Sussex shortly before 16:00 BST on Thursday.4
The train, operated by Southern Rail, was en route from London Victoria to Eastbourne when it overturned, with three carriages coming to rest on their sides.6
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith of British Transport Police confirmed that a major incident has been declared, stating, "We've declared a major incident and a significant emergency service response is ongoing at the scene, but all passengers on the train have now been safely evacuated from the service."25
Emergency services, including ten fire engines and technical rescue units, were deployed to assist those trapped.3
Yana Ludwig, a passenger, described the experience as "completely terrifying," recalling, "There was a banging. Everything just went topsy turvy."
The South East Coast Ambulance Service reported that patients were assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals for further care.
The UK’s Rail Accident Investigation Branch has sent a team to investigate the incident.8
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her concern, stating, “Grateful to emergency services who are on the scene supporting those impacted.”7
Major disruptions are expected on the rail line between Lewes and Haywards Heath, with alternative transport arrangements being made for affected passengers.
“About 150 passengers were on board when the Southern Rail train from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed shortly before 16:00 BST. All passengers have been safely evacuated, but National Rail warns of major disruption between Lewes and Haywards Heath until further notice.”
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