Lewes train derailment leaves multiple people seriously injured in ‘major incident’

A Southern train travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed near Lewes in East Sussex on Thursday afternoon, causing three carriages to flip onto their side with approximately 150 passengers on board.

Emergency services and the British Transport Police declared a major incident, confirming that two people sustained serious injuries and nine others suffered minor injuries, with some requiring hospitalisation.

All passengers have now been safely evacuated from the train, with those not requiring hospital treatment being supported by multi-agency emergency services at a local community centre.

Witnesses described the terrifying moment the train derailed over ten seconds, whilst local residents responded alongside emergency crews to help shocked and bruised passengers reaching the welfare hub.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed deep concern following the derailment, as the British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch launched an investigation to establish the exact cause of the crash.