Two people have been seriously injured after a Southern Rail train with around 150 people on board derailed near Lewes in East Sussex on Thursday afternoon.
Photographs circulated online show a number of train carriages lying on their side, with passengers clambering out of the tipped over carriage and standing on top it as they escape from the scene.
Here is everything we know about the incident.
Where and how did the incident happen?
The affected train was the 2.24pm Southern train from London Victoria to Eastbourne.
Emergency services at the scene of a train derailment near Lewes in East Sussex
PA
It derailed in the area between Haywards Heath and Lewes shortly before 4pm, between Landport Road and the River Ouse about a mile north of the town’s railway station.
It has not yet been confirmed how the train came off the tracks.
How many injuries have been reported?
A further nine patients also sustained less serious injuries.
A spokesperson said: “Patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals for further treatment and care.
“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.”
It added that it continues to respond to the major incident alongside other emergency services and urged people to avoid the area.
What has been the emergency response?
As well as the South East Coast Ambulance Service, fire engines and police have also been stationed along Landport Road in Lewes.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service says it has sent 10 fire engines, a command support unit, technical rescue teams, officers and other resources.
Emergency services on Landport Road near the scene
PA
One person could be seen being taken away in an ambulance.
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that it responded “to a major incident” alongside other emergency services.
How has the incident affected the rail network?
National Rail has confirmed that no trains are running between Lewes and Haywards Heath, with major disruption expected until further notice.
Southern Rail are also advising customers not to travel.
The scene where two people have been seriously injured after a train derailed
PA
Trains between Brighton, Lewes and Eastbourne & Seaford have a heavily reduced service, and Cooksbridge and Plumpton stations are not being served.
Rail replacement buses have been requested by the operator.
Those travelling to Gatwick Airport have been advised to allow at least an extra 150 minutes for their journeys to ensure they make their flight connections.
What have people been saying about the incident?
BTP declared a major incident following the derailment.
Assistant Chief Constable 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”.
Yana Ludwig, who was travelling alone on the train from London to Lewes, told reporters the experience as “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.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander
PA Wire
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “deeply concerned” following the derailment.
In a post on X, the Labour MP said: “Deeply concerned of reports of a derailment involving a Southern train in Lewes, Sussex.
“Grateful to emergency services who are on the scene supporting those impacted. We are working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers.”
