Two people remain in hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries after a train derailed near Lewes station on Thursday afternoon, British Transport Police (BTP) has confirmed. The 2.44pm London Victoria to Eastbourne service came off the rails just north of the station in East Sussex, leaving three carriages on their side and dozens of passengers trapped.
Injuries and hospital treatment
In a statement on Friday afternoon, BTP said two people remain in hospital after sustaining serious injuries, which are not deemed life-threatening, while the 18 others who were also treated at hospital for less serious injuries have now been discharged. 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.
Appeal for witnesses and investigation
BTP is now asking anyone who was on board the derailed train to come forward if they have not yet spoken to police. The force said that many left the area to take alternative routes home following the incident. Officers remain at the scene today while the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) continues enquiries into the cause of the derailment.
BTP also praised local Lewes residents who came out to assist emergency services and provide support and refreshments to passengers who were on board. Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said: "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."
Community response and railway safety
He added: "The response to yesterday's derailment 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. 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."
One passenger on the derailed train recalled there being “a lot of children on board”. Describing the moment the train began to tip, 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.”
John Whitehurst, chief executive of Greater Thameslink Railway, said derailments are "incredibly rare", adding that what happened "was a very serious incident" that he was "deeply saddened by". He told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme on Friday morning: “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.”
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.”
