Two people were seriously injured and nine more were hurt when a train with about 150 people on board derailed in Lewes shortly before 4pm this afternoon (Thursday 13 August).
The three rear carriages of an eight-carriage train from London Victoria to Eastbourne were lying on their side, yards from the edge of the Landport Estate, Lewes.
Some passengers forced their way out of the train in the searing heat on to the side facing upward or on to the ground between the River Ouse and the Pellbrook Cut behind Landport Road, Lewes.
Train operator Southern said that no trains could run between Brighton and Lewes or between Haywards Heath and Lewes or between Lewes and Seaford and Eastbourne.
The British Transport Police (BTP) said: “Officers are currently on scene close to Lewes railway station following reports of a derailed train at 3.54pm today.
“We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service and will provide more information as soon as we can.”
Southern said that passengers who were currently on trains near Lewes station should remain on board those trains and await further updates.
The rail operator said: “A train has derailed in the area between Haywards Heath and Lewes.
“Emergency services are making their way to the scene and we are working out the impact this will have on our network.”
Fire crews from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have arrived at the scene and urged people to avoid the area.
The fire service said: “Other emergencies services have also been alerted. We continue to work at the scene alongside our emergency service colleagues and other partners. Please avoid the area.”
The ambulance service said: “South East Coast Ambulance Service is currently responding to reports of an incident near Lewes railway station.
“We were called shortly before 4pm and have a number of ambulance resources at the scene, including specialist teams, working alongside our emergency service partners.”
Sussex Police said: “We are supporting BTP at a train derailment in Lewes. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said that she was “deeply concerned” by the derailment. The cabinet minister tweeted: “Deeply concerned by reports of a derailment involving a Southern train in Lewes.
“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.”
The general secretary of a transport trade union said that “with so many passengers reportedly involved … the immediate priority must be their safety and wellbeing”.
Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of the TSSA (The Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association), said: “We are deeply concerned by today’s derailment and our thoughts are with the passengers, emergency services and rail workers affected.
“With so many passengers reportedly involved, the immediate priority must be their safety and wellbeing.
“We thank the emergency services, British Transport Police and Southern Rail staff responding at the scene.”
The Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, James MacCleary, posted on Facebook: “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.
“This is clearly a very serious and developing incident and my thoughts are with everyone affected.
“In the meantime, if you are concerned about someone or need urgent assistance, please contact the emergency services.”
