Major update issued after horror train crash as carriages flip on track

Two people have been seriously injured after a train derailed near Lewes railway station in East Sussex, South East Coast Ambulance Service said. Multiple emergency services are at the scene of the incident, which happened near Lewes railway station on Thursday afternoon and involved a Southern Rail train.

South East Coast Ambulance Service said a further nine people sustained less serious injuries in the derailment. “Patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals for further treatment and care,” a spokesperson said. “A number of passengers who did not require hospital treatment have been taken to a local community centre, where they are being supported by partner agencies. This remains a complex and ongoing multi-agency response.”

Photographs circulated online showing at least two carriages of a train lying on their side, with two passengers standing on top. But it is still not clear how the train derailed.

Southern Railway says all lines are currently at a standstill in the Lewes area and is strongly advising passengers to not travel between Brighton, Lewes, Haywards Heath, Seaford and Eastbourne for the remainder of the day.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she is “deeply concerned” by the incident and is “working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers”.

Fire engines, ambulances and police have been stationed along Landport Road in Lewes, East Sussex, where a community centre is hosting passengers from the derailed train.

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.

The passenger estimates it was around 20 minutes before the emergency services arrived, with everyone in the train checking their fellow passengers were okay.

She said: “These moments everybody kind of pulls together.”

The derailment was described as “a very serious and developing incident” by a local MP.

James MacCleary, the MP for Lewes, wrote in a Facebook post: “I am aware of very concerning reports of a train crash in the Lewes area this afternoon.

“I am in touch with the relevant authorities now and will provide further updates as soon as I have more information.

“This is clearly a very serious and developing incident, and my thoughts are with everyone affected.

“In the meantime, if you are concerned about someone or need urgent assistance, please contact the emergency services.”