Two people have been seriously injured after a passenger train derailed between Haywards Heath and Lewes in East Sussex on Thursday afternoon. Nine additional passengers sustained less serious injuries in the incident, which has led to significant disruption on several rail routes.
The South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed that two individuals were transported to major trauma centres following the derailment. British Transport Police (BTP) reported that all passengers have now been safely evacuated from the service.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith of the BTP stated: “At this time we believe that two people have sustained serious injuries and a further nine patients have sustained less serious injuries. Patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals.” He added that a major incident had been declared and a significant emergency service response was ongoing.
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched an inquiry to establish the cause of the derailment. The BTP confirmed it is supporting the RAIB in this investigation.
Images from the scene depicted some passengers standing on top of the toppled carriages, while others were observed in an area of heathland alongside emergency workers. An aerial photograph showed three of the train’s eight carriages lying on their side.
Rob Bradley, who was travelling with his six-year-old daughter Mabel in the last carriage to remain upright, recounted the experience to the BBC. He said: “We are doing OK. We were very lucky we were on the fourth carriage. The fifth went on its side.”
Mr Bradley described how the train began to speed up and rock. “Then our carriage jumped vertically upwards and we could tell it was a derailment. The emergency brakes went on the train and everything got thrown forward,” he explained. He added that the train skidded for a considerable time before stopping, and upon looking back, he saw “the whole back of the train was open and smoke and dust were pouring into the carriage and we saw the fifth carriage had gone on its side.”
The Southern service, travelling from Victoria to Eastbourne, came off the tracks just before 4pm. As a result, several rail routes have been closed, causing extensive travel delays.
A spokesperson for Network Rail and Southern Rail issued a statement on Thursday evening: “We can confirm that the 14.24 Southern passenger service from Victoria to Eastbourne has derailed in the Lewes area of East Sussex. Emergency services are on site and we will update with more information when we can. Trains through the area are suspended and passengers are advised to check online at southernrailway.com for the latest service information.”
Emergency services advised members of the public to avoid the area. Travellers using rail services in the region were warned to expect delays of up to 60 minutes initially.
The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, expressed her concern on X, formerly Twitter, stating: “Deeply concerned of reports of a derailment involving a Southern train in Lewes, Sussex. Grateful to emergency services who are on the scene supporting those impacted. We are working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers.”
Southern provided an update on X at 5:47 pm, specifically addressing travel to Gatwick Airport: “If you are travelling to Gatwick airport, please allow at least an extra 150 minutes for your journey to ensure you make your flight connections and use an alternative route.” The company also stated that rail replacement buses had been requested for Haywards Heath and Lewes, advising passengers to use alternative routes until confirmation of bus services.
Earlier, Southern had confirmed that the derailment occurred between Haywards Heath and Lewes, leading to the suspension of services between Brighton and Lewes, Haywards Heath and Lewes, and Seaford/Eastbourne and Lewes. Passengers were advised to delay their journey or seek alternative travel arrangements.
James MacCleary, the MP for Lewes, acknowledged the seriousness of the incident. He commented: “I am aware of very concerning reports of a train crash in the Lewes area this afternoon. I am in touch with the relevant authorities now and will provide further updates as soon as I have more information.” Mr MacCleary conveyed his thoughts to all affected and urged anyone concerned about someone or in need of urgent assistance to contact the emergency services.
