Investigations into two train derailments in two days “will look at all possible causes and factors”, a Network Rail boss said, adding the hot weather had “presented exceptional challenges to the railway”.
It comes after a second train derailed less than 24 hours after two passengers were seriously injured when a Southern Rail service came off the tracks in East Sussex.
A Greater Anglia train derailed at 2.12pm on Friday south of Wickford railway station in Essex, British Transport Police said.
BTP said officers, paramedics and firefighters are at the scene after reports that the rear carriages of the train have derailed in an upright position.
No injuries have currently been reported.
Martin Frobisher, group safety and engineering director at Network Rail, said: “We are currently responding to a derailment incident near Wickford station in Essex, and we are working quickly to understand the situation and to provide assistance where needed. Two carriages have derailed but remained fully upright, and there are no significant injuries reported.
“I appreciate the public will be concerned at the news of two derailments of passenger trains over a short period of time, but I want to reassure them that Britain’s railways still rank among the safest in the world, and that safety is always our first consideration on the railway.
“Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by yesterday’s significant incident at Lewes.
“I want to thank the teams from across the rail industry and emergency services who have been working around the clock to provide assistance and support to those who need it, as well as the response from the local community.
“The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is conducting an investigation into the derailment at Lewes, and has investigators on scene at the Wickford incident.
“We would ask people to avoid speculating on the cause of any incidents until further information is available.
“We will also conduct our own internal investigations, in which we will look at all possible causes and factors.
“The unprecedented hot and dry weather that we have experienced this summer has presented exceptional challenges to the railway.
“In response, we have taken several additional proactive steps to manage and mitigate the impact on the railway, including closely monitoring the temperature of tracks, implementing speed restrictions where it is appropriate to do so, and planning track renewals around high temperatures.
“Our continued focus remains on supporting those affected by these incidents, working at pace to understand the causes, and doing all we can to get services back running safely as quickly as possible.”
A major incident was declared by British Transport Police (BTP) in East Sussex when three carriages of a Southern train ended up on their side, trapping passengers near Lewes on Thursday afternoon.
Around 150 people had been on board the service from London Victoria to Eastbourne.
Two people were taken to major trauma centres with “severe” injuries and BTP said on Friday these were not deemed to be life-threatening.
A statement said: “They both remain in hospital and the 18 people who were also treated at hospital for less serious injuries have been discharged.”
An East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson said they were called just after 2.10pm on Friday to the scene in Wickford and dispatched a “significant number of resources” to the scene, including a specialist Hazardous Area Response Team and critical care teams from charity partners including two air ambulances.
They said: “Our crews assessed 62 patients who were on board the train. Following assessment, all patients were discharged at the scene.
“We also assisted with the evacuation of a second train that was unable to continue its journey due to the derailment. There were no casualties among those on board.”
A spokesperson for BTP said on Friday: “Officers are currently on scene just south of Wickford railway station in Essex following reports that the rear carriages of a train have derailed in an upright position at 2.12pm today (14 August).
“We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service.
“There are currently no reported injuries.”
No trains between Wickford and Southend Victoria are expected until at least the end of the day, National Rail says on its website.
It says: “There is a problem currently under investigation between Wickford and Southend Victoria. This has closed all lines running between these stations.
“As a result, Greater Anglia trains running between London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria will be cancelled in full. You can use alternative services to travel between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield.
“The Southminster branch line is also affected by this incident, and services are currently unable to run between Wickford and Southminster. You are advised not to travel between Shenfield/Wickford and Southend Victoria/Southminster.
“Please note, those services that would usually run between London Liverpool Street and Braintree will be revised to operate between Witham and Braintree only.
“Major disruption is expected to continue until at least the end of the day today.”
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We are aware of a derailment involving a Greater Anglia train near Wickford, Essex.
“The train is upright, there are no reported injuries and investigators have already been deployed to the site.
“Our railways remain amongst the safest in the world and while incidents like this are extremely rare, when they do occur, they are taken very seriously.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said of the East Sussex incident: “Our thoughts remain firmly with those who were injured and their loved ones. On behalf of BTP, I wish them a full and speedy recovery.”
The force is appealing for anyone on board the derailed train who has not already spoken to police to come forward.
Officers said many passengers left the area and took alternative routes home after they were evacuated.
Mr Drummond-Smith said the public can expect to see a “continued police presence” at the scene in the coming days as the RAIB’s investigation into the cause continues.
The senior officer also paid tribute to communities and emergency services who responded to the derailment.
“Local Lewes residents and business owners came out in their droves to support affected passengers, providing water and refreshments in extremely hot conditions,” he said.
“My thanks and appreciation go to them, as well as our officers and emergency service colleagues whose professionalism ensured those on board were brought to safety in incredibly challenging circumstances.”
John Whitehurst, chief executive of Greater Thameslink Railway, said on Friday derailments are “incredibly rare”, adding that what happened near Lewes “was a very serious incident and I’m deeply saddened by it”.
Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme if the railway was safe in hot weather, Mr Whitehurst said: “The railway is safe. These types of incidents are incredibly rare.
“We have control processes in place that involve inspection, temporary speed restrictions or even suspending services if that’s required.”
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