Lewes train derailment latest: Two seriously injured and 18 hurt as police issue update on ‘major incident’ in East Sussex

Lewes train derailment latest: Two seriously injured and 18 hurt as police issue update on ‘major incident’ in East Sussex Two people have been seriously injured in the incident as the RAIB are investigating the cause of the derailment - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Two people have been seriously injured and a further 18 were hurt after a train was derailed between Haywards Heath and Lewes in Sussex. Emergency services issued an update after a “major incident” was declared when three carriages were derailed onto their side at 3.54pm on Thursday, leaving a number of people trapped. They have now been safely evacuated, British Transport Police has said. The two categorised as severe were conveyed to a major trauma centre, while the remaining were classed as “a mix of injuries of varying severity.” A Network Rail figure said that the railway between Lewes and Hayward Heath would remain closed whilst the emergency response continued and specialist teams carried out the “complex task of assessing the damage to the train and the infrastructure.” The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has also deployed a team to establish what happened. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “deeply concerned” by the incident which involved a Southern Railway train travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne. Have you witnessed the crash or have pictures from the scene? Email bryony.gooch.ind@independent.co.uk In pictures: Emergency services give update on derailment Watch: Passenger describes moment train derailed near Lewes Press conference finished Leaders from the emergency services have finished their press conference. 20 people were hospitalised with a 'mix of injuries of varying severity' Michael Bradfield, the Deputy Chief Paramedic Officer at the South East Coast Ambulance Service, said 20 people ended up in hospital following the derailment with a “mix of injuries of varyin severity”. “We conveyed 18 people. As my colleague said, there were 20 people who went to hospital. We believe there were two who have made their own way and self-presented at hospital. “There are a range of injuries, two of which were categorized as severe and were conveyed to a major trauma center. The remaining are a mix of injuries of varying severity.” Tracks between Lewes and Hayward Heath to remain closed until further notice says Network Rail boss Lucy McAuliffe, the route director for Network Rail for Sussex, has said the railway between Lewes and Hayward Heath will remain closed until further notice. “The railway between Lewes and Hayward Heath is closed and is likely to remain closed whilst the emergency response continues, and specialist teams carry out the complex task of assessing the damage to the train and the infrastructure.” Local community thanked for helping in emergency British Transport Police Superintendent Dominique Ioannou has thanked officers and the local community for help “First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident. “I'd also like to recognize our officers and emergency service colleagues who have worked incredibly hard this evening in particularly challenging temperatures. “I'd also like to thank the local community, shopkeepers, and the community center, whose kindness in supporting the emergency services response and passengers has been felt incredibly strongly.” 20 people have been injured, police say British Transport Police Superintendent Dominique Ioannou has said two people were seriously injured and a further 18 sustained less serious wounds. “At this stage, we know that two people have sustained serious injuries, and a further 18 have suffered less serious injuries. “Those injured were assessed and treated at the scene, with some taken to local hospitals for further treatment.” British Transport Police give update British Transport Police Superintendent Dominique Ioannou has started speaking. We will give you the top lines from her speech. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments