A train boss has said that the railway is safe in hot weather after a Southern Rail service derailed in East Sussex and 20 people went to hospital.
John Whitehurst, chief executive of Greater Thameslink Railway, said derailments are “incredibly rare”, adding that what happened “was a very serious incident and I’m deeply saddened by it”.
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 on Thursday afternoon.
Incident details
Around 150 people had been on board the service travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne, which was evacuated. Two people were taken to major trauma centres with “severe” injuries following the incident.
Mr Whitehurst told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme: “A full investigation is now under way with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch and at this stage we’re working with them to ensure we can establish the cause but also support their investigation fully.
“Obviously, the railway through that area is closed and we have specialist teams on site assessing the train and the infrastructure. I’m really sorry for the disruption that’s caused.”
Safety assurances
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.”
A passenger on the derailed train where there were “a lot of children on board” told the Today programme the experience was “absolutely terrifying” and she thought she “was going to die”.
Rachel Heath 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.”
Injuries and response
South East Coast Ambulance Service deputy chief paramedic officer Michael Bradfield said on Thursday evening there had been a “mix of injuries of varied severity” among the 20 people who went to hospital.
He told a press conference in East Sussex: “We have conveyed 18 people to several hospitals in the region.”
He added: “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.”
At the press conference, Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, also said the railway between Haywards Heath and Lewes is likely to remain closed for some time as specialist teams carry out assessments.
“I understand that people will have lots of questions about what has happened today,” she told reporters.
“I would like to reassure everyone that we are working closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, who are on site to establish exactly what has happened.
“At the moment, it would be inappropriate to comment as to the cause of this incident but more information would be provided as soon as we can.”
Major disruption between Lewes and Haywards Heath is expected until further notice, according to Southern’s website on Friday. “Trains are unable to run between Lewes and Haywards Heath and will be cancelled,” the notice said.
