Two seriously injured after Southern train derails in East Sussex

Two people have suffered serious injuries after a train derailed in East Sussex. The Southern train carring 150 people left tracks around 3.54pm today, between Haywards Heath and Lewes. After three carriages overturned onto their side, leaving several trapped on board, police officers paramedics and fire fighters rushed to the scene. Everyone on board has now been evacuated and British Transport Police (BTP) have declared a major incident over what happened. Nine other people suffered “less serious injuries”, South East Coast Ambulance Service said. BTP announced 20 people involved in the dramatic incident are in hospital. Images published by the BBC show passengers clambering out of train carriages onto the tracks. Other photos circulating online show people stood on top of overturned carriages. The cause of the incident is unclear, and it is currently being investigated by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch who are at the scene. Shannon Jones, who was onboard, told the BBC the train derailing “felt like a car crash”, adding: “We all flew forward. The train started wobbling from side to side, it felt like the driver had slammed brakes. “I was in the fifth carriage, so not the one that derailed. No one knew what was going on. “We first thought we may have hit someone. Then we heard someone shout, ‘Call the emergency services, it’s really bad’. “We heard the sirens and helicopters and a police officer motioned that help was coming and they needed to check the rail track wasn’t live. Images circulating on social media appear to show two train carriages on their side, with people stood on top of them (Photo: Jeremy Veitch/@Defianc_e) “Then we had to go down a ladder one by one and then across the track and the embankment down the field.” Some passengers headed to a community centre near the scene including Yana Ludwig who told reporters the experience was “completely terrifying”. Ludwig, from the US, said: “There was a banging. Everything just went topsy turvy. “It seemed like a really long time but it probably was 10 seconds of that before the carriage actually fell on the side.” She also described being propped up over the top of another passenger, adding: “I’m pretty banged up.” Ludwig also told how everyone in the train was checking their fellow passengers were OK, adding: “These moments everybody kind of pulls together.” A spokesperson from South East Coast Ambulance Service said patients were “assessed and treated at the scene”, with some transported to local hospitals for care. Other passengers who did not require hospital treatment were taken to a local community centre, where they are “being supported by partner agencies”, they added. Due to the train leaving the tracks, there are widespread train delays and cancellations across the South Coast. No timetable can be given for when the railway will be able to “safely reopen” after the derailment near Lewes, Network Rail has said. Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail route director for Sussex, told a press conference: “This is an evolving and complex situation. “We will provide updates as soon as we have a clear understanding of the recovery work required and when the railway can safely reopen.” She added: “I can only apologise to everyone who has been impacted by this incident but I also must thank the local response teams and community for everything they have done to support the response to this situation.” Ms McAuliffe also urged passengers to check before they travel. Emergency services at the scene near Lewes (Photo: PA) Southern Rail said it was working with emergency services and warned that for the rest of the day no trains will run between Brighton and Lewes, Haywards Heath and Lewes or Seaford, plus Eastbourne and Lewes. The train operator added that passengers who are currently on trains close to Lewes station should remain on the train and await further updates. Fire crews and the ambulance service warned people to avoid the area. The derailment was described as “a very serious and developing incident” by James MacCleary, the MP for Lewes. MacCleary wrote in a Facebook post: “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.” Carriages were left on their side after the train left tracks (Photo: Carlos Jasso) Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she is “deeply concerned” by the derailment in a post on X. She added: “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.” Maryam Eslamdoust, general secretary of a transport trade union, The Transport Salaried Staff’s Association, said “the immediate priority must be [passenger’s] safety and wellbeing”. She added: “We are deeply concerned by today’s derailment and our thoughts are with the passengers, emergency services and rail workers affected. “We thank the emergency services, British Transport Police and Southern Rail staff responding at the scene.”