Train Derails in Southern England, 11 Hurt as Carriages Flip
SCMP · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A Southern Rail passenger train derailed near Lewes station in East Sussex on Thursday afternoon, with three carriages overturning and 11 people sustaining injuries, two of them serious. The train, travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne with approximately 150 passengers on board, left the tracks around 4pm local time. Emergency services responded quickly, with firefighters, paramedics, multiple ambulances, and three helicopters deployed to the scene. All passengers were evacuated safely within about three hours, according to the British Transport Police, who declared the incident a "major incident."
Key Points
- A Southern Rail commuter train heading from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed near Lewes, with three carriages overturning
- Eleven people were injured, two seriously, with nine others sustaining minor injuries
- Approximately 150 passengers were on board when the incident occurred around 4pm local time
- Passenger Rob Bradley described the train rocking violently before his carriage jumped and brakes engaged immediately
- Aerial footage showed emergency responders treating passengers in a field next to the wreck, with three helicopters standing by
- Rail services in the surrounding area experienced significant delays and cancellations following the derailment
- The British Transport Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the derailment
Why It Matters
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed deep concern over the derailment and thanked emergency services for their swift response. The incident has raised fresh questions about railway safety protocols, as authorities work to determine what caused the train to leave the tracks on a routine commuter route .
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed deep concern over the derailment and thanked emergency services for their swift response. The incident has raised fresh questions about railway safety protocols, as authorities work to determine what caused the train to leave the tracks on a routine commuter route .