Two Seriously Injured After Passenger Train Derails Near Lewes in East Sussex

Two people sustained serious injuries after a Southern passenger train derailed near Lewes railway station in East Sussex, triggering a major emergency response.

The train, which was travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne, was carrying about 150 passengers when three of its eight carriages overturned after leaving the tracks on Thursday afternoon.

Several passengers were initially trapped inside the carriages, while others were seen standing on top of the overturned train as emergency crews worked to evacuate them. All passengers had been safely removed from the train by about 7.30 pm.

South East Coast Ambulance Service said the two seriously injured passengers were taken to major trauma centres. A further 18 people were reported to have suffered less serious injuries, while others were assessed and treated at the scene.

Some passengers who did not require hospital treatment were taken to a nearby community centre, where partner agencies provided support.

One passenger, Rob Bradley, who was travelling with his six-year-old daughter, described feeling the train begin to rock before it suddenly moved upwards.

“The emergency brakes went on the train, and everything got thrown forward,” he told BBC News.

A major incident declaration remained in place as emergency services continued their response.

The cause of the derailment has not yet been established, with investigators now examining what happened.