A passenger train has derailed in East Sussex, trapping passengers in overturned carriages.
The eight-carriage train came off the line between Haywards Heath and Lewes at around 3.54pm today, with services set to be cancelled until 10pm.
More than 40 people are believed to be trapped inside the train, with three carriages overturned and emergency services rushing to provide first aid.
Follow our live updates below.
No trains running through the area until further notice
Network Rail has confirmed that no trains can run through between Haywards Heath and Lewes ‘until further notice’.
Passengers travelling by rail should allow an extra 60 minutes if travelling in the affected area and passengers travelling to Gatwick Airport are being asked to allow an extra 90 minutes.
While stations Cooksbridge and Plumpton will not be served until further notice.
What we know so far:
The eight-carriage service came off the line between Haywards Heath and Lewes at around 3.54pm today, with services set to be cancelled until 10pm.
More than 40 people are believed to be trapped inside the train, with three carriages overturned and emergency services rushing to provide first aid.
Injuries are unknown at this stage.
Read what we know so far:
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander’s statement:
Heidi Alexander has said she was ‘deeply concerned’ following the incident.
‘Deeply concerned of reports of a derailment involving a Southern train in Lewes, Sussex,’ she wrote on social media platform X.
‘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.’
British Transport Police’s statement:
‘Officers are currently on scene close to Lewes railway station following reports of a derailed train at 3.54pm today (13 August).
‘We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service and will provide more information as soon as we can.’
Southern Railway’s statement:
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.
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Train derailment updates: ‘Passengers trapped’ after carriages come off tracks in East Sussex with services cancelled and major delays
