A train derailment in East Sussex that left two people seriously injured may have been caused by the heatwave, experts have revealed. A Southern Rail service from London Victoria to Eastbourne carrying 150 people came off the tracks just outside Lewes on the hottest day of the year, derailing three of eight carriages. Two people have since been taken to a major trauma centre with severe injuries as rail bosses launch an investigation into the incident.
Injuries and response
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. Fire engines, ambulances and police have been stationed along Landport Road in Lewes, alongside a double-decker bus, which was parked up by the community hub waiting for passengers to board.
Possible cause: extreme heat
Temperatures hit 33C in East Sussex on Thursday in the mid-afternoon, which experts say could have impacted the stability of the tracks. Prof William Powrie, a professor of geotechnical engineering at the University of Southampton, said the extreme heat could have caused the ground to dry out, making it less stable and deforming it. He explained: "Increased temperatures make continuously welded rails ‘want’ to expand. If they can’t do so, that can lead to rail buckling. Therefore, this incident could be hot weather related but the exact causal chain of events needs to be established through proper and thorough investigation, which is under way."
Railway closure and local reaction
Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, said the railway between Haywards Heath and Lewes is likely to remain closed for some time as specialist teams carry out assessments. Photographs circulated online show at least two carriages of a train lying on their side, with two passengers standing on top. Local resident Oriana Evans said she and her son helped casualties who were led off the train towards the community centre along the street, showing them where to go, including some passengers who were on holiday. "I walked and chatted to some of them in shock, really," the 54-year-old jewellery maker said. She said they told her they were alright but "really bruised".
