Two people have been taken to major trauma centres with “severe” injuries following a train derailment in East Sussex, as rail bosses announced an investigation into the cause of the incident.
A major incident was declared by British Transport Police (BTP) after three carriages derailed on their side, trapping passengers on board the Southern train near Lewes on Thursday afternoon.
Around 150 people had been on board the service travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne, and have since all been evacuated.
Speaking on Thursday evening, South East Coast Ambulance Service deputy chief paramedic officer, Michael Bradfield, said there had been a “mix of injuries of varied severity” among the 20 people taken to hospital.
He told a press conference in East Sussex: “We have conveyed 18 people to several hospitals in the region.”
He added: “My colleagues said there were 20 people who went to hospital – we believe there were two who have made their own way and have self-presented at hospital.
“There are a range of injuries, two of which were categorised as severe and were conveyed to a major trauma centre.
“The remaining are a mix of injuries of varied severity.”
He described the derailment as “complex and challenging to deal with” and required “a carefully co-ordinated multi-agency response”.
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, said the railway between Haywards Heath and Lewes is likely to remain closed for some time as specialist teams carry out assessments.
“I understand that people will have lots of questions about what has happened today,” she told reporters.
“I would like to reassure everyone that we are working closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, who are on site to establish exactly what has happened.
“At the moment, it would be inappropriate to comment as to the cause of this incident but more information would be provided as soon as we can.”
Outside a community centre hosting passengers nearby to the incident, Yana Ludwig, who was travelling alone on the train from London to Lewes, told reporters the experience was “completely terrifying”.
“There was a banging. Everything just went topsy-turvy,” the 56-year-old from the United States said.
“It seemed like a really long time but it probably was 10 seconds of that before the carriage actually fell on the side.”
She described being propped up over the top of another passenger.
She added: “I’m pretty banged up.”
She said everyone in the train was checking their fellow passengers were OK, adding: “These moments everybody kind of pulls together.”
Fire engines, ambulances and police have been stationed along Landport Road in Lewes, alongside a double-decker bus, which was parked up by the community hub waiting for passengers to board.
Local resident Oriana Evans said she and her son helped casualties who were led off the train towards the community centre along the street, showing them where to go, including some passengers who were on holiday.
“I walked and chatted to some of them in shock really,” the 54-year-old jewellery maker said.
She said they told her they were alright but “really bruised”.
Photographs circulated online show at least two carriages of a train lying on their side, with two passengers standing on top.
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