The Rail Minister has personally thanked emergency services, railway staff and local volunteers for their response to last week’s train derailment near Lewes.
Lord Peter Hendy visited the Tenants Resource Centre in Lewes on Tuesday, 18 August, where he met some of those involved in dealing with the incident on 13 August.
Representatives from Network Rail, GTR, South East Coast Ambulance Service, East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, British Transport Police, East Sussex County Council, Lewes District Council and the Landport Road Community Centre were among those he spoke to.
Emergency services, railway staff and volunteers provided medical assistance, shelter and refreshments to passengers following the derailment.
Lord Hendy said: “I want to pay tribute to everyone who responded so quickly and professionally to the incident outside Lewes last week.
“The hard work of our emergency services and railway staff, combined with the extraordinary community spirit shown by the people of Lewes, meant that passengers received the support and care they needed at a difficult time.
“My thoughts remain with those who were on board and everyone affected by this incident.
“We will continue to work closely with the rail industry and investigators to help restore services for passengers, understand what happened and establish whether any lessons can be learned.”
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch sent investigators to the scene following the derailment and is carrying out an independent investigation into what happened.
Network Rail and Southern are continuing work to recover the derailed train and repair the railway.
The line between Lewes and Haywards Heath remains closed, with replacement buses operating while the work continues.
Passengers are being advised to check their journeys before travelling.
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