Two people have been seriously injured after a train derailed near Lewes in East Sussex on Thursday.
British Transport Police (BTP) declared a major incident, as three carriages derailed on their side, trapping passengers on board the Southern train.
The train, which was travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne with around 150 people on board, has now been safely evacuated.
There is still a significant emergency response this evening involving BTP, Sussex Police, the ambulance service and Network Rail.
The train derailed in the area between Haywards Heath and Lewes shortly before 4pm, between Landport Road and the River Ouse about a mile north of the town’s 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.
In a statement on Thursday evening, BTP Chief Superintendent Dominique Ioannou said that while two people sustained serious injuries, a further 18 suffered less serious injuries.
Ms Ioannou says that those injured were treated at the scene and some taken to local hospitals.
South East Coast Ambulance Service added that 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.
A spokesperson said: “This remains a complex and ongoing multi-agency response.”
Fire engines, ambulances and police were stationed along Landport Road in Lewes, alongside a double decker bus which was parked by the community hub awaiting for passengers to board.
National Rail has confirmed that no trains are running between Lewes and Haywards Heath, with major disruption expected until further notice, while Southern Rail are advising customers not to travel.
Trains between Brighton, Lewes and Eastbourne & Seaford have a heavily reduced service, and Cooksbridge and Plumpton stations are not being served.
Outside a community centre hosting passengers nearby, 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.”
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”.
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”.
BTP Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said: “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”.
Ms Ioannou paid tribute to the BTP officers and to the emergency workers who worked in the challenging heat, and thanked the local community and shopkeepers for their kindness in supporting the response.
