VIDEO: An investigation is underway into the train derailment near Lewes

Two people have been seriously injured and 18 others hurt after three carriages of a passenger train derailed near Lewes.

A major investigation is under way after the Southern service, travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne, came off the tracks shortly before 3.45pm on Thursday, 13 August.

British Transport Police said the three carriages overturned onto their sides, initially trapping a number of passengers. Everyone on board was later safely evacuated. Around 150 people were travelling on the train at the time. 

At a late-evening press conference, BTP said two people had sustained serious injuries and a further 18 had suffered less serious injuries.

Network Rail, Sussex Route Director, Lucy McAuliffe

South East Coast Ambulance Service confirmed that 18 patients in total had been transported to hospital. More than 50 ambulance staff attended at the height of the incident, supported by over 20 colleagues at the service’s emergency operations centre in Crawley.

The ambulance response included two Hazardous Area Response Teams and critical care paramedics. 

South East Coast Ambulance Service, Deputy Chief Paramedic Officer, Michael Bradfield 

British Transport Police Superintendent Dominique Ioannou said: “A major incident was declared after three carriages of a Southern service travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed.

“A number of passengers were initially trapped, but thankfully were soon safely evacuated from the train."

British Transport Police, Superintendent, Dominque Laonnou

Assistant Chief Constable of British Transport Police, Ian Drummond-Smith said: "We've declared a major incident and a significant emergency service response is ongoing at the scene, but all passengers on the train have now been safely evacuated from the service.

“Our thoughts are of course with everyone affected, and I’d like to reassure the public that we’re supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish exactly what's happened. We’ll provide further information as soon as we are able". 

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service confirmed its crews had left the scene by 8.30pm.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dave Norris said earlier: “We've had a substantial operational response since we were first called to the incident this afternoon.

“Our crews were able to reach the scene quickly and assist with leading passengers to safety.

“As you will understand, incidents such as this require lots of coordination between all of the emergency services on scene, which we recognise and seem to work particularly well this afternoon.

“We expect to be on scene for the foreseeable time and we would expect that there will be quite a lot of work in the area over the coming period and we'd like to thank all of our partners who assisted us during the early stages of the operation.”

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “deeply concerned” and thanked the emergency services supporting those affected. She said the Government was working with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers.

The cause of the derailment has not been established. British Transport Police and the Rail Accident Investigation Branch are investigating, while recovery and examination work continues.

More to follow...

Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today! Read with ease, no annoying pop-up ads.

V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.