A major incident was declared in East Sussex after a passenger train derailed near Lewes railway station, leaving two people severely injured and 18 others with less serious injuries.
An estimated 150 passengers were aboard the 14:24 Southern Rail service travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne when the train came off the tracks at approximately 3:55 PM.
Details of the incident
The derailment occurred on the section of line connecting Lewes and Haywards Heath. Eyewitness accounts and video footage from inside the train described violent swaying and a vertical jolt before emergency brakes were triggered, causing passengers to be thrown from their seats.
Key details from emergency responders include:
Carriage damage: Three of the eight carriages overturned, with the rear carriage coming to rest completely on its side at the bottom of an embankment.
Casualties: South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed two people sustained serious injuries and were transported to major trauma centres. Another 18 passengers received medical attention for less severe injuries.
Evacuation: Passengers were initially trapped in overturned carriages. Emergency crews safely evacuated all passengers by 7:30 PM, directing them along a track to a nearby housing estate. Uninjured passengers were taken to a local community centre for support.
Response and service disruptions
A multi-agency operation was launched, involving East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service—which deployed 10 fire engines alongside technical rescue teams—as well as British Transport Police and three air ambulances.
As a result of the ongoing response and investigation:
Travel warning: Southern Rail issued a “do not travel” warning for the affected area.
Suspended lines: Rail services were halted between Lewes and Brighton, Haywards Heath, Seaford, and Eastbourne.
Government reaction: Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed deep concern over the crash, while Lewes MP James MacCleary and Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde acknowledged the severity of the situation.
Investigation into the cause
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) deployed a team of inspectors to the scene to collect evidence and determine what caused the derailment. While photographic evidence showed a buckled section of track, investigators have not yet confirmed whether the track condition caused the derailment or if the buckling occurred as a result of the train coming off the rails.
