Two people have been seriously injured and nine more were hurt after a train with about 150 people on board derailed in Lewes.
British Transport Police (BTP) declared a major incident as three carriages derailed on their side, trapping passengers on board the Southern train this afternoon (Thursday 13 August).
The train, which was travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne, has now been safely evacuated, the force said.
Outside a nearby community centre hosting passengers, Yana Ludwig, who was travelling alone on the train from London to Lewes, told reporters that the experience was “completely terrifying”.
The 56-year-old American said: “There was a banging. Everything just went topsy turvy. It seemed like a really long time but it probably was 10 seconds of that before the carriage actually fell on the side.”
She described being propped up over the top of another passenger, saying: “I’m pretty banged up.”
She said that everyone in the train was checking that their fellow passengers were ok, adding: “These moments everybody kind of pulls together.”
The BTP said that two people suffered serious injuries and a further nine people sustained less serious injuries.
The force said: “Patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals.”
The South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) said that a number of passengers who did not require hospital treatment had been taken to a local community centre where they were being supported by partner agencies.
Secamb said: “This remains a complex and ongoing multi-agency response.”
Fire engines, ambulances and police have been stationed along Landport Road, in Lewes, alongside a double-decker bus which was parked by the community hub, waiting for passengers to board.
One person could be seen being taken away in an ambulance.
Local resident Oriana Evans said that she and her son helped casualties who were led off the train towards the community centre along the street, showing them where to go, including some passengers who were on holiday.
The 54-year-old jewellery maker said: “I walked and chatted to some of them in shock really.”
She said that they had told her that they were ok but “really bruised”.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said that she was “deeply concerned” by the incident and is “working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers”.
BTP Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said: “Our thoughts are of course with everyone affected.
“I’d like to reassure the public that we’re supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish exactly what’s happened. We’ll provide further information as soon as we are able”.
