Two seriously injured as train with 150 on board derails; British Transport Police respond as passenger calls it 'completely terrifying'

Two people were seriously injured when a Southern train carrying about 150 passengers derailed in East Sussex, prompting a major incident response from British Transport Police. Witness Yana Ludwig described the experience as 'completely terrifying,' with three carriages overturning and passengers trapped inside.

The Independent13 August 2026 · 19:16 UTC

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Two people were seriously injured when a Southern train carrying around 150 passengers derailed in East Sussex on Thursday afternoon. The British Transport Police (BTP) declared a major incident as three carriages overturned, trapping passengers inside.²³

Witness Yana Ludwig, who was travelling from London to Lewes, described the experience as 'completely terrifying.' She recounted, 'There was a banging. Everything just went topsy turvy.' Ludwig, 56, from the United States, said it felt like a long time, but it was probably only 10 seconds before the carriage fell on its side, leaving her propped over another passenger. She added, 'I’m pretty banged up.'⁴⁵⁶⁷⁸

BTP reported that two patients sustained serious injuries, while nine others suffered less serious injuries. 'Patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals,' the force stated. The South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed that several passengers who did not require hospital treatment were taken to a local community centre for support.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her 'deeply concerned' feelings regarding the incident, stating she is 'working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers.'

Key Insight

“Passenger Yana Ludwig, 56, from the US, said the carriage fell on its side after about 10 seconds, leaving her 'propped up over the top of another passenger' and 'pretty banged up'. She was travelling alone from London to Lewes.”