Passenger Train Derails In East Sussex Leaving Two Seriously Injured And 150 Evacuated

A major incident was declared in East Sussex on Thursday after a passenger train carrying 150 people derailed, leaving two seriously injured and 18 others hurt.

The Southern service from London Victoria to Eastbourne came off the tracks close to Lewes railway station just before 4pm, according to the BBC. Three carriages derailed, with some rolling down an embankment into a field.

Passengers described scenes of chaos as the train began rocking violently before tipping onto its side.

"It Was Pandemonium"

Rob Bradley, who was on the train with his six-year-old daughter, told reporters the experience was terrifying.

"Our carriage actually jumped upwards and you could tell there was a derailment," he said. "The emergency brakes then went on the train and everything got thrown forward. The train kind of skidded for quite a while before it stopped."

"Only then, when we turned around, did we see the whole back of the train was open and smoke and dust were pouring into the carriage."

Passenger Rachel Heath described the moment of impact: "The train started rocking violently and then I remember clocking eyes with this guy and then there was a lot of screaming. It felt like we flew in the air and the carriage landed on its side and it slid."

She added: "There was a mum who was bleeding from her mouth and a dad and his son who had cuts. It was like a movie."

All Passengers Evacuated

British Transport Police confirmed that while several people were initially trapped in the overturned carriages, all 150 passengers have now been safely evacuated from the train.

Two people sustained serious injuries, while 18 others suffered less serious injuries. Those who didn't require hospital treatment were taken to a local community centre.

Photographs from the scene showed people standing on top of overturned carriages and sitting beside the tracks after escaping from the wreckage.

What Happens Next

Network Rail said it would be "inappropriate" to comment on what caused the derailment while the Rail Accident Investigation Branch is on site establishing exactly what happened.

Major disruption to rail services is expected to continue until further notice, with no timetable given for when the railway will reopen.

Rail operator Southern has advised passengers travelling to Gatwick Airport to allow "at least an extra 150 minutes for your journey" or use an alternative route.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was "deeply concerned" and thanked emergency services responding to the scene.

Ten fire engines, ambulances, police, and technical rescue teams rushed to the incident, which remains an ongoing multi-agency response.

Were you affected by the disruption? Share your experience in the comments below.

Sources:

• BBC News