British Transport Police are investigating a second train derailment in less than 24 hours after a Greater Anglia train partially derailed south of Wickford railway station in Essex on Friday afternoon. The incident follows a more serious derailment near Lewes, East Sussex, on Thursday, which left two people seriously injured.
Second derailment near Wickford
Emergency services, including police, paramedics and the fire service, were called to the scene at around 2.12pm after reports that the rear carriages of a train had derailed in an upright position. A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “Officers are on scene just south of Wickford railway station in Essex following reports that the rear carriages of a train have derailed in an upright position at 2.12pm. We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service. There are currently no reported injuries.”
No injuries were reported in the second incident, but services were severely disrupted as an investigation into the cause got under way.
Lewes derailment: major incident declared
The two people seriously injured in the Southern Rail derailment near Lewes are not in life-threatening condition, police said. A major incident was declared after three carriages derailed onto their side, trapping passengers on board the train from London Victoria to Eastbourne. Around 150 people were on board and were evacuated.
One regular commuter who travelled on the same service on Wednesday said passengers were concerned for their safety due to the extreme movement of the carriages. She told the Mirror: “I was on the exact same service yesterday on the way back from London. Everyone was commenting on how extremely the train was lurching from side to side. I worried a lot in this extremely hot weather about derailments because the lines are constantly melting. It’s terrible.”
She added: “Mercifully, the section of track where it happened is on the final approach into Lewes so they will have been going slowly. I have no doubt there would have been fatalities had it happened further up the line.”
Passenger Rachel Heath described the experience as terrifying. She said: “The train just started jostling, kind of bumping up and down, and then jostling from side to side like a seesaw, and everyone was screaming. I just remember looking around and seeing so much panic and fear in so many people's eyes.”
Ms Heath added: “I just remember thinking to myself that I was going to die. There was about two seconds where I genuinely thought this was it, and so I went on my phone, immediately called my partner as the train was still flipping, and was just kind of in my mind as I made that call - calling to say goodbye.”
Railway bosses stress safety
John Whitehurst, chief executive of Greater Thameslink Railway, stressed such incidents are incredibly rare. He told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme: “A full investigation is now under way with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. At this stage we’re working with them to ensure we can establish the cause but also support their investigation fully.”
Asked if the railway was safe in hot weather, Mr Whitehurst said: “The railway is safe. These types of incidents are incredibly rare. We have control processes in place that involve inspection, temporary speed restrictions or even suspending services if that’s required.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith of British Transport Police added: “Our thoughts remain firmly with those who were injured and their loved ones. On behalf of BTP, I wish them a full and speedy recovery.”
The force is appealing for anyone on board the derailed train who has not already spoken to police to come forward. Crash scene investigators will work through the night after the Lewes derailment was declared a major incident. Dozens of emergency vehicles remain at the site, and industrial floodlights have been delivered for continued investigation.
Police thanked locals for their response to the crash. Public-spirited volunteers opened a community centre where the walking wounded were assessed and transport was arranged to get them home. Mr Drummond-Smith said: “The response demonstrated the very best of our communities and emergency services. Local Lewes residents and business owners came out in their droves to support affected passengers, providing water and refreshments in extremely hot conditions.”
He added: “My thanks and appreciation go to them as well as our officers and emergency service colleagues whose professionalism ensured those on board were brought to safety in incredibly challenging circumstances. The public can expect to see a continued police presence at the scene over the coming days as RAIB’s investigation to identify the cause of the derailment continues.”
Anyone who was on the Lewes train and has not spoken to police is urged to contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016, quoting reference 521 of 13 August.
