Rail investigators examine two passenger train derailments near Lewes and Wickford within 24 hours

Rail investigators are examining two passenger train derailments within the space of 24 hours following incidents near Lewes and Wickford.

Rail investigators are examining two passenger train derailments within the space of 24 hours following incidents near Lewes and Wickford.

The investigation into Thursday’s derailment north of Lewes railway station is continuing after three carriages of a Southern service travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne came off the tracks and overturned.

British Transport Police said more than 100 passengers were travelling on the 2.44pm service and were safely evacuated by emergency responders.

Two passengers who sustained serious injuries remain in hospital, although their injuries are not considered life-threatening. A further 18 people who received hospital treatment for less serious injuries have been discharged.

Officers remain at the scene to support inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch as they work to establish the cause.

Police have asked anyone who was aboard the train and has not already spoken to officers to call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference 521 of 13 August.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service Assistant Chief Fire Officer Hannah Youldon praised the work of those involved in the multi-agency response.

She said: "Our thoughts are with those most affected by the incident. Thank you for all your kind messages of support."

As investigators continued their work in Lewes, a second passenger train derailed near Wickford station in Essex on Friday.

Network Rail said two carriages came off the tracks but remained upright, with no significant injuries 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.”

No cause has been confirmed for either derailment, and officials have not said that the two incidents are connected.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch conducts independent investigations to identify causes and improve railway safety. It does not determine blame or liability.

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