- Two people have been taken to major trauma centres with severe injuries following a train derailment in East Sussex, as rail bosses announced an investigation into the cause of the incident.
- A major incident was declared by British Transport Police (BTP) after three carriages derailed on their side, trapping passengers on board the Southern train near Lewes on Thursday afternoon.
- Around 150 people had been on board the service travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne, and have since all been evacuated.
- South East Coast Ambulance Service deputy chief paramedic officer, Michael Bradfield, said there had been a mix of injuries of varied severity among the 20 people taken to hospital, with 18 conveyed to several hospitals in the region.
- Bradfield added that two people who went to hospital had made their own way and self-presented, and that two injuries were categorised as severe and conveyed to a major trauma centre.
- Bradfield described the derailment as complex and challenging to deal with and requiring a carefully co-ordinated multi-agency response.
- Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, Lucy McAuliffe, said the railway between Haywards Heath and Lewes is likely to remain closed for some time as specialist teams carry out assessments, and that the Rail Accident Investigation Branch is on site to establish exactly what has happened.
Two people were severely injured in a train derailment near Lewes, East Sussex, leading to a major incident declaration by British Transport Police. The Southern train, which was carrying around 150 passengers, derailed on its side, trapping some individuals inside.1267
According to the South East Coast Ambulance Service, 20 people were taken to hospital, with a mix of injuries reported. Deputy chief paramedic officer Michael Bradfield stated, “We have conveyed 18 people to several hospitals in the region.” He confirmed that two individuals were categorized as having severe injuries and were transported to a major trauma centre.45
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon, and the railway line between Haywards Heath and Lewes is expected to remain closed for an extended period as investigations continue. Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, assured the public that they are collaborating with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to determine the cause of the derailment.
Witness Yana Ludwig, who was on the train, described the experience as “completely terrifying.” She recounted, “There was a banging. Everything just went topsy-turvy.” The derailment has prompted a carefully coordinated multi-agency response to manage the situation and assist those affected.
“Around 150 passengers were evacuated after three carriages derailed on their side, with 20 taken to hospital. Network Rail's route director said the line between Haywards Heath and Lewes will likely stay closed as the Rail Accident Investigation Branch examines the cause.”
Eastern Daily Press
