Network Rail has insisted that British trains are “among the safest in the world” after a second derailment in 24 hours.
The transport body’s statement was echoed by both the Department for Transport and ex-transport minister and ex-Lewes MP Norman Baker as RAIB has deployed yet another investigation team to the scene where a Greater Anglia train has derailed near Wickford in Essex.
Pictures on social media show a train that appears to have come off the tracks into the gravel but has remained upright.
There are currently no reported injuries, the British Transport Police has said.
It comes less than 24 hours after another train derailed in East Sussex, with one passenger saying she thought she “was going to die”.
Martin Frobisher, Network Rail executive, discouraged the public from speculating around the causes as internal investigations look at all possible causes and factors, but he added that the unprecedented heatwave conditions had presented challenges to the railway.
“The unprecedented hot and dry weather that we have experienced this summer has presented exceptional challenges to the railway.”
Have you witnessed the crash or have pictures from the scene? Email bryony.gooch.ind@independent.co.uk
Read MoreMajor travel disruption after Lewes train derailment as services cancelled
Key Points
- Network Rail reassures that British railway services are among the safest in the world
- Second train derails in Essex
- 62 patients on board Essex train assessed before discharged
- No reported injuries in second train incident
- Major incident declared after three carriages derailed
- MP says concerns had been raised over 'bumpier' train tracks
- 20 people were hospitalised with a 'mix of injuries of varying severity'
Pictured: Rail workers and police officers investigate at the scene where a Greater Anglia train derailed, south of Wickford railway station in Essex
20:00 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: Essex train derailment: video shows scene of latest accident
19:33 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: Police cordon set up on Salcott Crescent, Wickford
19:15 , Bryony Gooch
Millions to receive emergency alert on phones from 7pm
19:07 , Bryony GoochMillions of people across England and Wales will receive an emergency alert on their phones from 7pm today warning against lighting anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, campfires, and fireworks, the cabinet office said.
It comes as the fifth heatwave has put immense pressure on the UK’s emergency services and railway lines.
Network Rail has warned against speculation over the cause of two derailments in the past 24 hours, but has admitted the unprecedented heat and dry conditions has impacted the services.
Ambulance service assessed 62 patients on board before discharging them
19:01 , Bryony GoochAn East of England Ambulance Service spokesperson has said it assessed 62 patients on board before they were discharged at the scene.
"We were called just after 2.10pm to reports of a train derailment in Wickford. We dispatched a significant number of resources to the scene.
"Resources sent included our specialist Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) and critical care teams from charity partners including two air ambulances.
“Our crews assessed 62 patients who were on board the train. Following assessment, all patients were discharged at 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.
“We would like to thank all of our staff who responded to the incident, including those who coordinated the response from our Emergency Operations Centre, as well as our partner agencies for their support and collaboration throughout the incident."
What happens when train lines buckle and can it cause a derailment?
19:00 , Bryony GoochRAIB have deployed investigators to collect evidence for the second time in 24 hours as another train as derailed.
While it remains unclear what the cause of the derailments may be, Network Rail said: “The unprecedented hot and dry weather that we have experienced this summer has presented exceptional challenges to the railway.”
Read more here about one possible cause - buckling rails.
What happens when train lines buckle and can it cause a derailment?
ASLEF union boss says safety of members and passengers is 'paramount'
18:45 , Bryony GoochTrain driver’s union ASLEF’s general secretary Dave Calfe has been in contact with the prime minister following a second derailment in as many days near Wickford, Essex.
“Our thoughts are with all those who were on board, and we thank the emergency services for their response.
“The safety of our members and of passengers is paramount. ASLEF will work with industry to ensure lessons are learned from these incidents and ensure every necessary measure is taken to keep our railways safe.”
Passenger on derailed Wickford train affirms everyone is okay after carriage 'swung wildly'
18:40 , Bryony GoochJon Young, 37, from Brentwood was on the train that derailed and says everybody he's seen is okay
He told the BBC: "The train swung wildly for around 10 seconds, like it was about to tilt over."
"It then carried on going for a couple of minutes but there was a horrible vibrating sound, so something obviously wasn't right," he added.
"Then the train then came to a halt and there was smoke coming from the back carriage."
He said that people "panicked" and ran up the train, before they "calmed down" and waited for help to arrive.
Mr Young said emergency services helped him down from the train onto the side of the tracks.
Derailments in major heat could be due to buckling, suggests railway engineer
18:30 , Bryony GoochA railway engineer has suggested that the two derailments in the past 24 hour could be due to buckled rails.
Steel rails curve - or “buckle” - when they expand in the heat, as tracks can get far hotter than the air temperature.
Gareth Dennis, a railway engineer, said on social media: “Whilst there's no firm evidence to connect the Lewes and Wickford derailments, there are a lot of circumstantial factors that mean it wouldn't be unlikely for there to be a common cause.”
“We've just had record breaking heat, and the likelihood of two similar derailments in the hottest part of the country happening in quick succession without a common cause is low,” he continued.
“There is, consequently, a reasonable likelihood that both derailments were caused by a track buckle - that is, where steel rails that have built up a compressive stress in the heat snap out of a safe alignment under the wheels of a passing train.
“There are other possible, even likely, causes, but a track buckle is high on the list. The RAIB will confirm whatever the trigger is by walking back up the tracks from the derailed trains and identifying the first point of track damage. That bit is easy enough.”
Whilst there's no firm evidence to connect the Lewes and Wickford derailments, there are a lot of circumstantial factors that mean it wouldn't be unlikely for there to be a common cause.
— Gareth Dennis (@GarethDennis) August 14, 2026
Do please pay close attention to that wording, though. pic.twitter.com/7TBVUbdsQM
Pictured: Trains delayed by 10-15 minutes at London Liverpool Street Station
18:21 , Bryony Gooch
RAIB investigators deployed to inspect Wickford derailment
18:15 , Bryony GoochThe Railway Accident Investigation Branch has deployed a team of inspectors to the site of a passenger train derailment at Wickford, Essex to begin gathering evidence.
Disruption expected for 'the remainder of the day'
18:00 , Bryony GoochAnnouncements on the Greater Anglia railway website reveal that disruption is expected between Shenfield and Southend Victoria / Southminster for the remainder of the day.
Ticket restrictions for Friday have been lifted, and tickets dated for today will be valid tomorrow, the railway service said.
Investigations into derailments looking at 'all possible causes and factors'
17:42 , Bryony GoochInvestigations into two train derailments in two days “will look at all possible causes and factors”, Network Rail executive Martin Frobisher has said.
"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.”
He went on that the hot weather had “presented exceptional challenges to the railway”.
“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.”
Network Rail reassures that British railway services are among the safest in the world
17:39 , Bryony GoochMartin Frobisher, group safety and engineering director at Network Rail, has joined a number of voices insisting that British rails remain among the safest in the world after two derailment issues in 24 hours.
He 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.”
Railways are still safe, ex transport minister says
17:30 , Bryony GoochFormer transport minister and ex-Lewes MP Norman Baker has said there's no need for people to panic over safety on the railway.
“I suspect there may be a climate-related incident here, either in terms of the ground beneath the rails giving way or alternatively the rails buckling during extreme heat,” he said according to the BBC.
"Stick to the railways," he said. “I was on the train today between Lewes and Seaford and perfectly happy to do so.”
The Greater Anglia routes disrupted:
17:20 , Bryony GoochThree of nine Greater Anglia routes have been disrupted after a train derailment near Wickford in Essex.
These routes are:
- London to Southend Victoria
- London to Southminster
- London to Braintree
In pictures: Emergency services arrive at scene of Greater Anglia train derailment
17:10 , Bryony Gooch
Department for Transport says railways are safe
16:53 , Holly EvansThe Department for Transport has said the UK’s railways remain the safest in the world after two derailments in less than 24 hours.
A spokesperson for the department 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.”
Aerial pictures show derailed Greater Anglia train
16:48 , Holly Evans
Rear carriages were derailed on Greater Anglia train
16:30 , Holly Evans
Rail inspectors attend the scene
16:20 , Holly EvansThe Rail Accident Investigation Branch confirmed it has sent a team of inspectors to the site of today's incident.
It is standard for RAIB officers to attend the scene of a crash or a derailment in the immediate aftermath to begin an investigation.
Basildon council thanks emergency services
16:06 , Holly EvansCouncillor Andy Barnes, Leader of Basildon Council, said:"I would like to thank all of the emergency services who are currently responding to this incident.
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we sincerely hope that all those involved are safe and well.
“Basildon Council will continue to support our emergency service partners in any way we can as they carry out their response."
Around 40 to 45 passengers onboard derailed Essex train
15:59 , Holly EvansBasildon Council have said they understand around 40 to 45 passengers were onboard the train, which was travelling from Southend.
Emergency services are still responding to the scene with the air ambulance attending as a precaution, and no major injuries have been reported.
They added that council officers are also at the scene.
Visitors to Eastbourne Airshow advised to travel via Brighton
15:54 , Holly EvansTrains between London Victoria and Eastbourne have been cancelled this weekend after a train derailed in Lewes.
Passengers have been advised to travel via Brighton should they wish to use this route.
This will particularly have an impact on those wishing to attend Eastbourne Airshow, which typically attracts around 750,000 visitors over the course of four days.
Southern Rail says Cooksbridge and Plumpton will also not be served all weekend, with rail replacement buses operating between Lewes and Haywards Heath.
📢 Travelling to or from the Eastbourne Airshow this weekend?
— Southern (@SouthernRailUK) August 14, 2026
Following yesterday's derailment near Lewes, trains are currently unable to run between Lewes and Haywards Heath in either direction, so we recommend travelling via Brighton. We've also added extra carriages to…
What happens when train lines buckle and can it cause a derailment?
15:40 , Holly Evans“Buckling” occurs when steel rails expand as they get hotter and can start to curve.
Thousands of miles of steel track make up the UK’s rail network, absorbing heat up to 20C hotter than the air temperature, said Network Rail.
It added that most of the network can operate when track temperatures reach up to 46C (roughly 30C air temperature) and rails have been recorded at temperatures as high as 51C.
As steel expands when it gets hot, rails lengthen, causing tension against their neighbouring pieces of track.
Read the full explainer here:
What happens when train lines buckle and can it cause a derailment?
National Rail says all lines blocked between Southend Victoria and Wickford
15:35 , Holly EvansA National Rail spokesperson said it was dealing with a derailment incident in Anglia.
It said all lines were blocked between Southend Victoria and Wickford with disruption expected until at least 4.30pm.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are dealing with a derailment incident in Anglia, and we are working quickly to understand the situation and to provide assistance where needed.
“We will provide further information in due course.”
BTP confirm no reported injuries
15:33 , Holly EvansBritish Transport Police said officers are at the scene of the train derailment south of Wickford railway station in Essex.
There are no reported injuries.
A spokesperson said: “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.
“We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service. There are currently no reported injuries.”
Air ambulance pictured at the scene
15:30 , Holly Evans
Disruption expected until further notice, operator says
15:27 , Holly EvansA Greater Anglia spokesman said: “Due to a problem currently under investigation between Shenfield and Southend Victoria, all lines are blocked.
“Train services running to and from these stations will be suspended.
“Disruption is expected until further notice.
“Please do not travel between Shenfield and Southend Victoria until further notice.”
In pictures: Second derailment in Essex
15:25 , Holly Evans
Greater Anglia warns customers not to travel on train route
15:21 , Holly EvansGreater Anglia have warned customers not to travel between Shenfield and Southend Victoria until further notice.
The train operator said that tickets dated for today will be valid for tomorrow, and said services were disrupted “due to a problem under investigation”.
Customer Advice:
— Greater Anglia (@greateranglia) August 14, 2026
Please do not travel between #Shenfield and Southend Victoria until further notice.
Ticket restrictions for today have been lifted, and tickets dated for today (14/08/2026) will be valid tomorrow (15/08/2026)
If you have already started your journey, please…
Breaking: Second train derails in Essex
15:17 , Holly EvansA Greater Anglia train has derailed near Wickford in Essex, the Independent understands.
The latest incident less than 24 hours after 20 people were injured in a similar incident at Lewes.
Two seriously injured are not in a life-threatening condition
14:46 , Holly EvansTwo passengers seriously injured when a Southern Rail train derailed at East Sussex are not deemed to be in a life-threatening condition, police have said.
A spokesperson for BTP said: “They both remain in hospital and the 18 people who were also treated at hospital for less serious injuries have been discharged.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith added: “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.”
Train boss says railway is safe in hot weather after ‘rare’ derailment
14:10 , Holly EvansA train boss has said that the railway is safe in hot weather after a Southern Rail service derailed in East Sussex and 20 people went to hospital.
John Whitehurst, chief executive of Greater Thameslink Railway, said derailments are “incredibly rare”, adding that what happened “was a very serious incident and I’m deeply saddened by it”.
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.
Read the full article here:
Train boss says railway is safe in hot weather after ‘rare’ derailment
Rail Accident Investigations Branch to give update 'next week'
13:50 , Holly EvansThe Rail Accident Investigations Branch (RAIB) says it will provide a further update "next week once we know more".
Pictures from the scene show a large number of inspectors and emergency workers, who will be examining the accident site and collecting CCTV, train data and signalling data.
A spokesperson added the RAIB "will conduct a full, independent safety investigation into the accident."
Local residents set up community centre to help casualties
13:25 , Holly EvansFire engines, ambulances and police had been stationed along Landport Road in Lewes, where a community centre was also hosting casualties from the train.
On Thursday residents could be seen walking down to the community hub with chairs for passengers to sit on.
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.
Lewes council encouraging travellers to use other routes
13:00 , Holly EvansLewes District Council is encouraging people to plan ahead and use other routes such as via Brighton as nearby Eastbourne hosts its annual air show over the weekend.
Deputy leader of the authority, Christine Robinson, also paid tribute to the “outstanding” professionalism of emergency services and passengers, as well as local residents who sought to help.
“Their compassion and willingness to step forward in a moment of crisis was truly heartening, and I thank every one of them.”
Watch: Passengers climb out of overturned carriage
12:35 , Holly EvansOne woman says passengers were left with mud on their face during incident
12:10 , Holly EvansAnother passenger has said it is a “miracle” that nobody suffered life-threatening injuries, and that she had been left feeling “quite shaken” by the experience.
Tracy McGregor said: "It was like this metal tube carving through the earth, honestly, and it was just picking up dirt from the field," she says.
"So it ended up, when it did stop, there was this almighty cloud of mud and earth and everyone had mud on their faces.
"So it was quite a scene. It was really quite dramatic.”
What can you do if your train is disrupted?
11:50 , Holly EvansPassengers travelling towards Eastbourne or Hastings will need to change trains at Brighton to continue their journey.
Passengers can also travel on the following services at no additional cost:
- Southern services between Brighton and London Victoria
- Thameslink services between Brighton and London Bridge
- Gatwick Express services between Brighton and London Victoria
- London Underground between all London terminals
- Southeastern services between Hastings and London terminals
Plus on Brighton and Hove bus services on the following routes:
- 28 – Brighton (St Peter’s Church), Moulsecoomb (Brighton University), Falmer, Lewes (Post Office / Law Courts), Polegate, and Eastbourne
- 29 / 29B / 29X – Brighton (St Peter’s Church), Moulsecoomb (Brighton University), Falmer, Lewes (Post Office / Law Courts), Uckfield, Crowborough, Eridge, and Tunbridge Wells
In pictures: Rail investigators examine tracks
11:32 , Holly Evans
Passenger on derailed train thought she was 'going to die'
10:43 , Holly EvansA passenger on a train that derailed in East Sussex said it was “absolutely terrifying” and she thought she “was going to die”.
Rachel Heath said: “I just remember thinking to myself that I was going to die. There was about two seconds where I genuinely thought this was it, and so I went on my phone, immediately called my partner as the train was still flipping, and was just kind of in my mind as I made that call – calling to say goodbye.
“It’s just absolutely terrifying. Nothing like I’ve ever experienced, and nothing like you would ever expect to experience.”
Railway network chief says incidents are 'incredibly rare'
10:10 , Holly EvansThe chief executive of Greater Thameslink Railway said the railway is safe in hot weather and derailments are “incredibly rare”.
John Whitehurst told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme that the train derailment in East Sussex “was a very serious incident and I’m deeply saddened by it”.
He added: “A full investigation is now underway with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, and at this stage we’re working with them to ensure we can establish the cause but also support their investigation fully.
“Obviously, the railway through that area is closed, and we have specialist teams on site assessing the train and the infrastructure. I’m really sorry for the disruption that’s caused.”
Asked 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.”
Investigators will assess 'effects of heat' on train tracks
09:44 , Holly EvansThe former chairman of the Strategic Rail Authority said investigators should be able to see “what the track looked like as the train arrived”.
Richard Bowker told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme that the Rail Accident Investigation Branch will “be looking at things like the condition of the track”.
He added: “We’ve seen images of damaged track – was that caused by the derailment, or did it cause it, or a bit of both? They’ll look at the effects of heat.
“The train itself I would expect to be fitted with forward-facing CCTV cameras, so it will be possible to see, I would suspect, what the track looked like as the train arrived.
“They will be able to download data from the train. It has like a black box. They’ll know what speed it was going. They will know if there were any braking applications.”
MP says concerns had been raised over 'bumpier' train tracks
09:13 , Holly EvansThe Lewes MP, James MacCleary, has said that concerns had recently been raised over the conditions of the railway tracks after it had been noticed that the route was “bumpier”.
He told Times Radio: “I had a meeting literally last week with [Greater Thameslink Railway], who are the parent company of Southern Rail, and we did discuss the track and the fact that it has been a bit bumpier in recent months, which is possibly a result of the incredibly hot weather we’ve had recently.”
It has been reported that images from the crash site indicate the track had buckled due to the heat. On Thursday, a temperature of 38.1C was recorded at Kew Gardens, making it officially the hottest day of the year.
This week’s high temperature also marks the fifth heatwave this summer, which has seen transport infrastructure struggling to cope across England and Wales.
'Lot of screaming' as train derailed, says passenger
08:51 , Holly EvansPassengers onboard the train have described chaotic scenes, with one saying the incident felt “like a movie”.
Rachel Heath, from London, told the BBC: "The train started rocking violently and then I remember clocking eyes with this guy and then there was a lot of screaming.
"It felt like we flew in the air and the carriage landed on its side and it slid.
"I felt like it was going to completely flip over.”
National Rail warn that disruption is expected to continue on Friday
08:20 , Holly EvansNational Rail have warned that travel disruption is expected to continue until further notice as a result of the rail derailment.
Trains are unable to run between Lewes and Haywards Heath, with the routes affected between Ore/Eastbourne/Seaford and Brighton, as well as to London Victoria.
Rail replacement buses are running between Lewes and Haywards Heath and will be calling at Cooksbridge and Plumpton.
A spokesperson said: “There are fewer travel options than normal for some customers. To help keep you moving, Southern have added extra carriages to services between Brighton and Hastings and Brighton and Seaford wherever possible, providing more space on board for customers travelling along the route.
“If you're travelling towards Eastbourne or Hastings, you'll need to change trains at Brighton to continue your journey.”
🎟️#Lewes - To assist you with your journey, you can travel on the following services at no additional cost:
— National Rail (@nationalrailenq) August 14, 2026
◾️Southern services between Brighton and London Victoria
◾️Thameslink services between Brighton and London Bridge
◾️Gatwick Express services between Brighton and London…
Recap: Aerial footage shows scores of emergency responders at scene of Lewes train derailment
07:26 , Joe MiddletonRecap: What is rail buckling and is that what happened in east Sussex?
07:00 , Bryony GoochTracks can “buckle” when the steel rails expand and start to curve in the heat.
Rails in direct sunlight can be up to 20C hotter than the air temperature, according to Network Rail.
While most of the network can operate when track temperatures reach up to 46C, roughly equivalent to an air temperature of around 30C, rails have been recorded at temperatures as high as 51C.
It remains unclear whether the bends in the track are from buckling or from where the train was derailed for other reasons. RAIB is currently investigating the matter.
Pictured: Air ambulance deployed over derailment on Thursday
06:00 , Bryony Gooch
Recap: Gatwick travellers warned to add at least 150 minutes to journey
05:00 , Bryony GoochTravellers hoping to reach Gatwick Airport have been advised to add at least an extra 150 minutes to their journey to ensure they meet flight connections.
Watch: Scene of the Lewes train derailment that injured over 18 passengers
04:00 , Bryony GoochWatch: Aerial footage shows scores of emergency responders at scene of Lewes train derailment
03:00 , Bryony GoochIn pictures: emergency services remain at the scene where three carriages were derailed
02:00 , Bryony Gooch
Recap: Network Rail route director 'shocked and saddened' by derailment
01:00 , Bryony GoochLucy McAuliffe, Network Rail route director for Sussex, said she was “shocked and saddened” by the derailment near Lewes.
She told a press conference: “The railway between Haywards Heath and Lewes is closed and is likely to remain closed as the emergency response continues and specialist teams carry out the complex task of assessing the damage to the train and the infrastructure.
“I understand that people will have lots of questions about what has happened today.
“I would like to reassure everyone that we are working closely 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.”
Mapped: Train derailment near Lewes, East Sussex
Friday 14 August 2026 00:00 , Bryony GoochMajor disruption is expected to continue until further notice
Thursday 13 August 2026 23:00 , Bryony GoochThe major disruption on the railway lines is expected to continue until further notice as emergency services and Network Rail engineers work on the derailment in east Sussex.
Disruption is expected to go on into Friday.
No timeline given for when railway can safely reopen
Thursday 13 August 2026 22:57 , Bryony GoochNo 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 urged passengers to check before they travel.
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.”
Two seriously injured as train derails and carriages topple sideways in ‘terrifying’ experience
Thursday 13 August 2026 22:30 , Bryony Gooch
Passengers injured as train derails and carriages topple sideways
In pictures: Emergency services give update on derailment
Thursday 13 August 2026 22:10 , Bryony Gooch
Watch: Passenger describes moment train derailed near Lewes
Thursday 13 August 2026 22:06 , Bryony GoochPress conference finished
Thursday 13 August 2026 21:48 , Bryony GoochLeaders from the emergency services have finished their press conference.
20 people were hospitalised with a 'mix of injuries of varying severity'
Thursday 13 August 2026 21:42 , Bryony GoochMichael Bradfield, the Deputy Chief Paramedic Officer at the South East Coast Ambulance Service, said 20 people ended up in hospital following the derailment with a “mix of injuries of varyin severity”.
“We conveyed 18 people. As my colleague said, there were 20 people who went to hospital. We believe there were two who have made their own way and self-presented at hospital.
“There are a range of injuries, two of which were categorized as severe and were conveyed to a major trauma center. The remaining are a mix of injuries of varying severity.”
Tracks between Lewes and Hayward Heath to remain closed until further notice says Network Rail boss
Thursday 13 August 2026 21:39 , Bryony GoochLucy McAuliffe, the route director for Network Rail for Sussex, has said the railway between Lewes and Hayward Heath will remain closed until further notice.
“The railway between Lewes and Hayward Heath is closed and is likely to remain closed whilst the emergency response continues, and specialist teams carry out the complex task of assessing the damage to the train and the infrastructure.”
Local community thanked for helping in emergency
Thursday 13 August 2026 21:37 , Bryony GoochBritish Transport Police Superintendent Dominique Ioannou has thanked officers and the local community for help
“First and foremost, our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident.
“I'd also like to recognize our officers and emergency service colleagues who have worked incredibly hard this evening in particularly challenging temperatures.
“I'd also like to thank the local community, shopkeepers, and the community center, whose kindness in supporting the emergency services response and passengers has been felt incredibly strongly.”
20 people have been injured, police say
Thursday 13 August 2026 21:36 , Bryony GoochBritish Transport Police Superintendent Dominique Ioannou has said two people were seriously injured and a further 18 sustained less serious wounds.
“At this stage, we know that two people have sustained serious injuries, and a further 18 have suffered less serious injuries.
“Those injured were assessed and treated at the scene, with some taken to local hospitals for further treatment.”
