Two people have been seriously injured and nine others sustained less serious injuries after a Southern passenger train derailed between Haywards Heath and Lewes in East Sussex, prompting a major incident declaration and a significant emergency response. The derailment occurred just before 4pm on the 1424 Southern service from Victoria to Eastbourne, with images showing passengers standing on top of toppled carriages and emergency workers at the scene.
Major Incident Declared and Passengers Evacuated
British Transport Police confirmed the casualty figures, stating: “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.” Assistant chief constable Ian Drummond-Smith added: “We’ve declared a major incident and a significant emergency service response is ongoing at the scene, but all passengers on the train have now been safely evacuated from the service.”
He also noted: “Our thoughts are of course with everyone affected, and I’d like to reassure the public that we’re supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch [RAIB] to establish exactly what’s happened. We’ll provide further information as soon as we are able.” The RAIB has since launched an inquiry into the cause of the derailment.
Passenger Describes Terrifying Ordeal
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 stay upright, described the experience to the BBC: “We are doing OK. We were very lucky we were on the fourth carriage. The fifth went on its side.”
He continued: “We felt the train speeding up and started to 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. The train skidded for quite a while before it stopped. We turned around and we 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.”
Severe Rail Disruption and Travel Advice
The derailment has caused major disruption to rail services in the area. Network Rail and Southern Rail issued a joint statement: “We can confirm that the 1424 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.”
Southern advised passengers to avoid the area and allow up to 60 minutes extra for their journeys, but for those travelling to Gatwick airport, the company said: “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.” Rail replacement buses have been requested for Haywards Heath and Lewes, and the company told passengers: “You should delay your journey in this area until later on today, or use an alternative route to travel.”
Political and Community Response
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander tweeted: “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.”
James MacCleary, the MP for Lewes, said: “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.”
Emergency services have urged people to avoid the area, and the investigation by the RAIB is ongoing to determine the cause of the derailment. The incident has led to the suspension of trains on several routes, including between Brighton and Lewes, Haywards Heath and Lewes, and Seaford/Eastbourne and Lewes, with passengers advised to seek alternative travel arrangements.
