Emergency services are responding to a train derailment near Wickford in Essex, marking the second such incident in less than 24 hours. The derailed service, believed to be operated by Greater Anglia, came off the tracks between Wickford and Rayleigh, prompting an immediate suspension of rail services between Southend Victoria and Shenfield.
Disruption and Emergency Response
National Rail has urged passengers not to attempt travel between Shenfield and Southend Victoria until further notice, with alternative travel arrangements being put in place. An air ambulance has been spotted overhead, according to reports from EssexLive. Photographs from the scene indicate the train remains upright, and it is not yet known whether anyone has been injured.
The incident occurred just a day after another train derailed in East Sussex, where a major incident was declared by British Transport Police (BTP). That derailment, which took place near Lewes on Thursday afternoon around 4pm, involved a Southern train from London Victoria to Eastbourne, with three carriages ending up on their side and trapping passengers on board.
Previous Derailment in East Sussex
Approximately 150 people were on board the East Sussex service, all of whom were evacuated. Two individuals were taken to major trauma centres with severe injuries, although BTP confirmed on Friday that these injuries are not deemed life-threatening. In total, 20 people were injured in that incident, prompting rail bosses to launch an investigation into its cause.
The back-to-back derailments have raised concerns about rail safety, though authorities have not yet indicated any link between the two events. Investigations into both incidents are ongoing, and further updates are expected as emergency services continue their work at the scenes.
