At least two passenger carriages have tipped over in a train derailment between Haywards Heath and Lewes in Sussex.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “deeply concerned” following the incident involving a Southern Railway train which took place at 3.54pm today (13 August).
Photographs shared online show at least two carriages of a train lying on their side, with two passengers stood on top. Another picture shared on social media shows people inside one of the tipped-over carriages.
In a statement, British Transport Police said: “Officers are currently on scene close to Lewes railway station. We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service and will provide more information as soon as we can.”
In updates, Southern Rail said passengers who are currently on trains close to Lewes station should remain on the train and await further updates.
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.
“This is clearly a very serious and developing incident, and my thoughts are with everyone affected.”
Have you witnessed the crash or have pictures from the scene? Email [email protected]
Analysis: Damage to track as likely to be caused by train derailment as a buckle
As photos appear to show a bend in the tracks where the derailment took place, many people are looking to understand what could have caused them to bend.
Railway engineer Gareth Dennis has told The Independent that “The damage here is as likely to be caused by the train as it derailed down the embankment, so very difficult to confirm a buckle with the available evidence.”
The Independent has contacted Network Rail to understand more about the bend in the tracks.
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 18:30
In pictures: Bend in the track where train has been derailed
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 18:24
Watch: Passenger describes moment train derailed near Lewes
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 18:12
Pictured: Where the track appears to bend as train derails near Lewes
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 18:07
Ambulance service sent ‘resources’ to the scene
South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) said it sent resources to the scene of the derailment after being alerted just before 4pm.
A spokesman said: “South East Coast Ambulance Service is currently responding to reports of an incident near Lewes railway station in Sussex.
“We were called shortly before 4pm and have a number of ambulance resources at the scene, including specialist teams, working alongside our emergency service partners.
“We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible.”
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:57
Pictured: Derailed carriages seen from above as emergency services free passengers
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:44
‘No serious injuries or fatalities – report
A source from the Department for Transport told the BBC that the latest understanding is that there are “no serious injuries or fatalities”.
This remains a developing incident and The Independent will bring you the latest.
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:42
Pictured: Photo from the carriage as train is derailed
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:40
Local MP describes incident as ‘serious and developing’
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.”
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:37
Too early to estimate number of injuries, says ambulance service
South East Coast Ambulance Service has said it is too early to estimate numbers injured but they were at the scene “with a number of resources” including ambulances, operational managers and critical care paramedics.
A spokesman said as soon as they knew numbers, they would release the information.
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:35
