A Greater Anglia train derailed at 2.12pm on Friday south of Wickford railway station in Essex, British Transport Police (BTP) said. This is the second derailment in less than 24 hours, following an incident in East Sussex where two passengers were seriously injured.
BTP said officers, paramedics and firefighters are at the scene after reports that the rear carriages of the train derailed in an upright position. No injuries have currently been reported. About 40 to 45 passengers were on board the train, which was travelling from Southend, Basildon Council said.
East Sussex Incident
The earlier derailment occurred on Thursday afternoon near Lewes in East Sussex, when three carriages of a Southern train ended up on their side, trapping passengers. Around 150 people had been on board the service from London Victoria to Eastbourne.
Two people were taken to major trauma centres with “severe” injuries, and BTP said on Friday these were not deemed to be life-threatening. A statement said: “They both remain in hospital and the 18 people who were also treated at hospital for less serious injuries have been discharged.”
Response and Impact
A BTP spokesperson said on Friday: “Officers are currently 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 today (14 August). We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service. There are currently no reported injuries.”
No trains between Wickford and Southend Victoria are expected until further notice, National Rail says on its website. It says: “There is a problem currently under investigation between Wickford and Southend Victoria. This has closed all lines running between these stations. As a result, Greater Anglia trains running between London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria will be cancelled in full. You can use alternative services to travel between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield. You are advised not to travel between Shenfield and Southend Victoria as services are unable to run. Please note, the Southminster branch line is also affected by this issue, and services are currently unable to run between Wickford and Southminster. Major disruption is expected to continue until further notice.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are dealing with a derailment incident near Wickford station in Essex, and we are working quickly to understand the situation and to provide assistance where needed. We will provide further information in due course.”
Official Statements
A Department for Transport spokesperson said: “We are aware of a derailment involving a Greater Anglia train near Wickford, Essex. The train is upright, there are no reported injuries and investigators have already been deployed to the site. Our railways remain amongst the safest in the world and while incidents like this are extremely rare, when they do occur, they are taken very seriously.”
Councillor Andy Barnes, leader of Basildon Council, said: “I would like to thank all of the emergency services who are currently responding to this incident. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we sincerely hope that all those involved are safe and well. Basildon Council will continue to support our emergency service partners in any way we can as they carry out their response.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said of the East Sussex incident: “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. Officers said many passengers left the area and took alternative routes home after they were evacuated.
Pictures show rail staff, police and members of the Rail Accident Investigation Bureau (RAIB) beside the tracks on Friday. Mr Drummond-Smith said the public can expect to see a “continued police presence” at the scene in the coming days as the RAIB’s investigation into the cause continues. He also paid tribute to communities and emergency services who responded to the derailment: “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.”
John Whitehurst, chief executive of Greater Thameslink Railway, said on Friday derailments are “incredibly rare”, adding that what happened near Lewes “was a very serious incident and I’m deeply saddened by it”. Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme 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.”
