A train travelling through Lewes, East Sussex, derailed on Thursday afternoon, with 20 people injured and several carriages toppling onto their side. Passenger photos capture the terrifying moments inside the overturned carriages.
Derailment near Lewes leaves carriages on their side
The service came off the rails around 4pm on Thursday, with several carriages keeling over completely onto their side. National Rail confirmed the incident and warned of significant delays in the region until 10pm.
Plumber Josh Parker, 22, from Newhaven, was travelling on the service during his regular commute back from work in one of the carriages that overturned. He said: "The train started shaking violently, and the carriages slowly started tilting. Then it crashed down, while we were still moving quite fast."
Passengers describe shock and injuries
Josh added: "I was quite shaken after, a few people were hurt. One guy knocked his head and was bleeding. As soon as it happened, the doors opened and everyone looked around in shock. Some people were climbing out the top and helping others get out. It's lucky that the whole train didn't go over."
A statement released on the National Rail website reads: "A train has derailed in the Lewes area. This has closed all lines running through this station. As a result of this, trains are currently unable to run through the area to allow the emergency services to attend the incident."
Emergency response and injuries
A major incident was declared by British Transport Police (BTP) after three carriages derailed on their side, trapping passengers on board the Southern train near Lewes. There was a significant emergency response with air ambulances deployed.
Around 150 people had been on board the service travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne, and were evacuated. South East Coast Ambulance Service deputy chief paramedic officer, Michael Bradfield, said there had been a "mix of injuries of varied severity" among the 20 people taken to hospital. He told a press conference in East Sussex: "We have conveyed 18 people to several hospitals in the region. My colleagues said there were 20 people who went to hospital – we believe there were two who have made their own way and have self-presented at hospital. There are a range of injuries, two of which were categorised as severe and were conveyed to a major trauma centre. The remaining are a mix of injuries of varied severity."
He described the derailment as "complex and challenging to deal with" and required "a carefully co-ordinated multi-agency response". Rail bosses have launched an investigation into the cause of the incident.
