Two people have been seriously injured after a train with around 150 people on board derailed near Lewes in East Sussex.
Multiple emergency services are at the scene of the incident, which happened near Lewes railway station on Thursday afternoon and involved a Southern Rail train.
South East Coast Ambulance Service said a further nine patients sustained less serious injuries in the derailment.
The derailed train was the 14:24 Southern Rail service from London Victoria to Eastbourne.
Passengers have been warned not to travel in the area and there are major delays on the railway network.
Photographs circulated online show at least two carriages of a train lying on their side, with two passengers standing on top.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she is “deeply concerned” by the incident and is “working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers”.
Follow the latest updates below...
Everything we know so far
20:34 , Tom Place
If you are just joining us, two people have been seriously injured after a Southern Rail train with around 150 people on board derailed near Lewes in East Sussex on Thursday afternoon.
British Transport Police (BTP) declared a major incident, and multiple emergency services are at the scene, near Lewes railway station,
Photographs circulated online show a number of train carriages lying on their side, with passengers clambering out of the tipped over carriage and standing on top it as they escape from the scene.
You can read everything we know about the incident so far here:
Everything we know so far as London train derails near Lewes
Local resident helped casualties off derailed train
19:56 , Tom Place
Local resident Oriana Evans said she and her son helped casualties who were led off the train towards the community centre at Lewes, 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.
“They were in the carriages that rolled over.”
She said they told her they were alright but “really bruised”.
Other residents could be seen outside their homes in front of lines of emergency service vehicles and walking down to the community hub with chairs for casualties to sit on.
A bus was parked up by the hub awaiting for passengers to board, as well as taxis and one passenger could be seen being taken away in an ambulance.
Major incident declared by BTP
19:45 , Tom Place
A major incident has been declared following the train derailment near Lewes in East Sussex, British Transport Police (BTP) said.
Three carriages derailed onto their side, leaving a number of people trapped on board the Southern train, which was travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne.
They have now been safely evacuated, the force said.
“At this time we believe that two patients have sustained serious injuries and a further nine patients have sustained less serious injuries,” BTP said.
“Patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals.
“Officers are continuing to respond at the scene alongside colleagues from Sussex Police and the local Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said: “We’ve declared a major incident and a significant emergency service response is ongoing at the scene, but all passengers on the train have now been safely evacuated from the service.
“Our thoughts are of course with everyone affected, and I’d like to reassure the public that we’re supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish exactly what’s happened. We’ll provide further information as soon as we are able”.
Eastbourne MP thanks emergency services
19:29 , Tom Place
The MP for Eastbourne has said that it is “utterly shocking” to see the scenes following the derailment this afternoon.
Posting on Instagram, he wrote: “I’m full of gratitude for our emergency services who have responded quickly and are pulling out every stop to ensure that passengers and staff who were on the train are taken to safety as soon as possible - thank you to them.”
Two seriously injured in derailment
19:22 , tom place
South East Coast Ambulance have confirmed that "two people sustained serious injuries" during this afternoon’s derailment.
The service said that there were about 150 people on board the train when it derailed near Lewes.
A spokesperson said: "We can confirm that two patients have sustained serious injuries and a further nine patients have sustained less serious injuries.
"Patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals for further treatment and care.
"A number of passengers who did not require hospital treatment have been taken to a local community centre, where they are being supported by partner agencies."
It added that it continues to respond to the major incident alongside other emergency services and urged people to avoid the area.
'Everything went topsy-turvy'
19:10 , Tom Place
Fire engines, ambulances and police have been stationed along Landport Road in Lewes, East Sussex, where a community centre is hosting passengers from the derailed train.
Yana Ludwig, who was travelling alone on the train from London to Lewes, told reporters the experience as “completely terrifying”.
“There was a banging. Everything just went topsy turvy,” the 56-year-old from the United States said.
“It seemed like a really long time but it probably was 10 seconds of that before the carriage actually fell on the side.”
She described being propped up over the top of another passenger.
She added: “I’m pretty banged up.”
The graduate student thinks it was 20 minutes before the emergency services arrived, adding it seemed like a difficult place for them to reach.
She said everyone in the train was checking their fellow passengers were OK, adding: “These moments everybody kind of pulls together.”
Emergency response continues
18:56 , Tom Place
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service says it has sent 10 fire engines, a command support unit, technical rescue teams, officers and other resources to the scene.
A spokesperson said: "We have been helping reach passengers and assisting other emergency services."
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust has confirmed that it is currently responding "to a major incident" alongside other emergency services.
Meanwhile, Southern says it has requested rail replacement buses to run between Haywards Heath and Lewes.
They have not yet been confirmed, so passengers have been advised to continue using their own alternative routes.
There will be no service in either direction at Cooksbridge and Plumpton stations for the rest of the day, and anyone travelling to Gatwick Airport and connecting to a flight is being told to allow an extra two and a half hours for their journey.
Pictured: People inside an overturned train carriage
18:49 , Tom Place
🚨 PICTURED: Inside one of the overturned carriage from the Lewes train derailment pic.twitter.com/Kx3VYE7ueY
— Politics UK (@PolitlcsUK) August 13, 2026
Disruption 'to last until the end of the day'
18:28 , Alastair Lockhart
The chaos caused by the train derailment will last until the end of the day, according to Network Rail.
A spokesperson for the group said: “A train has derailed in the Lewes area. This has closed all lines running through this station.
“As a result of this, trains are currently unable to run through the area to allow the emergency services to attend the incident.
“Major disruption is expected until the end of the day.”
Southern Rail has warned passengers not to travel.
'Team of inspectors' at scene
18:13 , Alastair Lockhart
A team of inspectors is at the scene of the crash, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch has said.
A spokesperson for the group said: “RAIB is deploying a team of inspectors to the site of a passenger train derailment near to Lewes, East Sussex, to begin gathering evidence.”
RAIB is deploying a team of inspectors to the site of a passenger train derailment near to Lewes, East Sussex, to begin gathering evidence.
— RAIB (@raibgovuk) August 13, 2026
Railway disruption warning
18:01 , Alastair Lockhart
As disruption on the railway network continues, Southern Rail has issued a warning to passengers.
There are no services between Haywards Heath and Lewes and several other lines are experiencing severe delays.
Trains are also being cancelled between Brighton, Seaford and Eastbourne.
A spokesperson for Southern Rail said: “We strongly advise you DO NOT TRAVEL between Brighton, Lewes, Haywards Heath, Seaford and Eastbourne for the remainder of the day.
“No trains can run between Haywards Heath and Lewes. Trains between Brighton, Lewes and Eastbourne / Seaford are mostly cancelled.
“To allow you to travel, we have arranged for your ticket to be accepted on the below services at no additional cost.
- Southern services between Brighton and London Victoria- Thameslink services between Brighton and London Victoria.- Gatwick Express services between Brighton and London Victoria- London Underground between all London terminals.
Brighton and Hove Buses on the following routes:- 28 - Brighton (St Peter’s Church), Moulsecoomb (Brighton University), Falmer, Lewes (Post Office / Law Courts), Polegate, and Eastbourne
- 29 / 29B / 29X - Brighton (St Peter’s Church), Moulsecoomb (Brighton University), Falmer, Lewes (Post Office / Law Courts), Uckfield, Crowborough, Eridge, and Tunbridge Wells”
Gatwick Airport delays
17:51 , Alastair Lockhart
Passengers travelling to and from Gatwick Airport are being asked to factor in an extra 90 minutes for their journey amid the disruption from the crash.
Delays caused by the derailment will last until at least 10pm, according to Southern Rail.
'No fatalities' in crash
17:40 , Alastair Lockhart
A source from the Department for Transport has told the BBC "no serious or fatalities" are thought to have occurred.
Derailment 'very serious incident', local MP says
17:36 , Alastair Lockhart
The derailment was described as “a very serious and developing incident” by a local MP.
James MacCleary, the MP for Lewes, wrote in a Facebook post: “I am aware of very concerning reports of a train crash in the Lewes area this afternoon.
“I am in touch with the relevant authorities now and will provide further updates as soon as I have more information.
“This is clearly a very serious and developing incident, and my thoughts are with everyone affected.
“In the meantime, if you are concerned about someone or need urgent assistance, please contact the emergency services.”
Sussex MP on 'deeply distressing' derailment
17:35 , Tom Place
Helena Dollimore, the Labour MP for Hastings and Rye in East Sussex, said news of a derailment in the area was “deeply distressing”.
She said: “It is deeply distressing to hear that a train on our local line has derailed near Lewes.
“I have spoken with the Secretary of State for Transport (Heidi Alexander) and the rail minister (Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill) who are keeping me updated on the situation.
“I know many people locally will be concerned, and the thoughts of everyone are with those affected and the emergency services responding at the scene.”
Ms Dollimore urged her constituents to contact her office if they need “urgent support”.
Emergency services respond
17:33 , Tom Place
The emergency services are responding to the incident, which occurred near Lewes Railway Station in Sussex.
A number of police vehicles were seen arriving at the station shortly after the derailment.
Fire crews have also arrived at the scene, and have warned people to avoid the area.
A spokesperson for South East Coast Ambulance service said: "We were called shortly before 16:00 BST and have a number of ambulance resources at the scene, including specialist teams, working alongside our emergency service partners.
"We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible."
Derailed train near Lewes
17:28 , Tom Place
Another X user has posted an image seemingly from inside the derailed train.
Jeremy Veitch claims the cause of the crash was a landslide - but the official cause for the derailment has yet to be confirmed.
🔴 LIVE SCENES
— Jeremy Veitch (@Defianc_e) August 13, 2026
Lewes Train Derailment due to a Landslide !@BBCBreaking @BBC @nathalieedell #Lewes pic.twitter.com/HZXfDigBl8
Transport secretary 'deeply concerned'
17:21 , Tom Place
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander has said she is “deeply concerned” following the derailment near Lewes this afternoon.
In a post on X, the Labour MP said: “Deeply concerned of reports of a derailment involving a Southern train in Lewes, Sussex.
“Grateful to emergency services who are on the scene supporting those impacted.
“We are working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers.”
Deeply concerned of reports of a derailment involving a Southern train in Lewes, Sussex.
— Heidi Alexander MP (@Heidi_Labour) August 13, 2026
Grateful to emergency services who are on the scene supporting those impacted.
We are working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers.
National Rail and Southern Rail issue updates
17:19 , Tom Place
National Rail has issued a statement following the derailment.
It reads: "A train has derailed in the Lewes area. This has closed all lines running through this station.
"As a result of this, trains are currently unable to run through the area to allow the emergency services to attend the incident.
"Major disruption is expected until 22:00.
"No trains can run through Lewes and Haywards Heath until further notice. You will need to use an alternative route to reach your destination.
"It is strongly recommended that you travel later on today, where possible.
"If you are already travelling or must travel you should allow at least an additional 60 minutes to complete your journey today.
"Trains between Brighton, Lewes and Eastbourne / Seaford are likely to be disrupted so please allow an additional 60 minutes if you must travel on this route.
"Please talk to station staff, look at the information boards or check your journey planner for the most recent information."
Southern Rail has said that passengers who are currently on trains close to Lewes station should remain on the train and await further updates.
The rail operator said: “A train has derailed in the area between Haywards Heath and Lewes. Emergency services are making their way to the scene and we are working out the impact this will have on our network.
“At this time, no trains can run between; – Brighton and Lewes – Haywards Heath and Lewes – Seaford/Eastbourne and Lewes.”
Aftermath of the derailment
17:14 , Tom Place
Here is a post on X, showing the aftermath of the derailment.
A train has derailed near Lewes pic.twitter.com/9jE9x4WAvm
— Laura Arnold (@Ladyrose1983) August 13, 2026
Train derailment near Lewes
17:11 , Tom Place
Emergency services are at the scene of a train derailment between Haywards Heath and Lewes in Sussex.
Photographs circulated online show at least two carriages of a train lying on their side, with two passengers stood on top.
We will bring you all the latest developments here.
