Emergency services at the scene after train derails near Lewes
A number of people have been injured
Last updated 19 hours ago
Two people have been seriously injured after a train derailed in East Sussex.
British Transport Police (BTP) said a major incident has been declared after the Southern Rail service heading to Eastbourne left the track between Haywards Heath and Lewes just before 4pm this afternoon (13 August).
Around 150 people were on board the train.
Pictures shared on social media show carriages on their side in a field next to the tracks, and passengers being escorted away from the scene.
A South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesperson said:
"At this stage, we can confirm that two patients 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 for further treatment and care.
"A number of passengers who did not require hospital treatment have been taken to a local community centre, where they are being supported by partner agencies.
"This remains a complex and ongoing multi-agency response. Our priority continues to be providing care to those affected and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
"We would ask the public to avoid the area where possible and allow emergency services to continue their work."
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said: “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.
“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 to establish exactly what’s happened. We’ll provide further information as soon as we are able”.
East Sussex Fire Service said: "We have 10 fire engines, a Command Support Unit, technical rescue units, officers and other resources at the scene.
"We have been helping reach passengers and assisting other emergency services."
The TSSA transport union said it is "deeply concerned and "with a large number of passengers involved, their safety and wellbeing must come first."
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) said it was sending officials to the site.
In a statement on X, it said it is "deploying a team of inspectors" to "begin gathering evidence".
It is still not clear how the train derailed. Images show at least three carriages veered off the track.
Local resident Oriana Evans said she and her son helped casualties who were led off the train towards the community centre at Lewes, showing them where to go, including some passengers who were on holiday.
“I walked and chatted to some of them in shock really,” the 54-year-old jewellery maker said.
“They were in the carriages that rolled over.”
She said they told her they were alright but “really bruised”.
Other residents could be seen outside their homes in front of lines of emergency service vehicles and walking down to the community hub with chairs for casualties to sit on.
A bus was parked up by the hub awaiting for passengers to board, as well as taxis and one passenger could be seen being taken away in an ambulance.