Two people have been seriously injured and nine others have suffered less serious injuries after a train carrying around 150 people derailed near Lewes railway station this afternoon (Thursday).
The train involved was the 2.24pm service from London Victoria to Eastbourne, according to Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde.
South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) has confirmed patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some taken to local hospitals for further treatment and care.
A major multi-agency emergency response remains under way following the derailment, which happened just outside Lewes station.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service was called at 3.55pm, with firefighters working alongside ambulance crews, police and other emergency services.
By 6.15pm, the fire service had deployed ten fire engines, a Command Support Unit, technical rescue units, officers and other specialist resources to the scene.
Firefighters have been helping emergency crews reach passengers and assisting other agencies involved in the response.
SECAmb said there were approximately 150 people on board the train at the time of the incident.
It said: “At this stage, we can confirm that two patients have sustained serious injuries and a further nine patients have sustained less serious injuries.”
Passengers who did not require hospital treatment have been taken to a local community centre, where they are being supported by partner agencies.
Eastbourne MP responds
Eastbourne MP Josh Babarinde described news of the derailment as “utterly shocking” and said he had already been informed of an Eastbourne constituent who had suffered injuries to her ribs.
He praised the emergency services for their response, saying he was “full of gratitude” to those working to get passengers and staff to safety.
Mr Babarinde also highlighted the potential psychological impact on those involved, including passengers who had escaped physical injury.
He said he had made representations for appropriate mental health support to be made available to affected passengers and railway staff “without delay”.
The MP said that once the immediate emergency was over, serious questions would need to be answered about how the derailment happened, what could be done to prevent a similar incident and how those on board would be compensated.
He added: “For now, it’s time to pull together and ensure that all parties have what they need to support affected passengers and staff on the train – and I’ll do everything I can to support that effort.”
Mr Babarinde has also asked Eastbourne residents affected by the incident who are struggling to access support to contact his office.
Major rail disruption
The derailment has caused major disruption across the Sussex rail network, with all lines through Lewes closed.
National Rail says services between Ore, Eastbourne and Seaford and Brighton, as well as trains between Ore and Eastbourne and London Victoria, are affected.
Trains are unable to run through Lewes while emergency services deal with the incident and major disruption is expected to continue until at least the end of Thursday.
Southern is advising passengers not to travel.
The circumstances surrounding the derailment have not yet been confirmed.
This is a developing story and will be updated as further information becomes available.
