Horror practice derailment in Sussex as paramedics and fireplace companies rush to scene
A Southern Rail train has derailed between Haywards Heath and Lewes in Sussex, according to reports.
People pictured on top of the train(Image: X)
A Southern Rail train has derailed between Haywards Heath and Lewes in Sussex while around 40 passengers were onboard, according to reports.
Eyewitnesses have described seeing at least one carriage ‘on its side’, while passengers have detailed how ‘smoke and dust’ poured into the train and described multiple injuries. The scale of these injuries is not yet known, although the air ambulance service is believed to be in attendance. The derailment is not believed to have caused any major injuries or fatalities.
Passenger Rob Bradley was onboard the train with his 6-year-old daughter, and described the chaotic scene to BBC News.
“We are doing okay, we were very lucky we were on the fourth carriage. The fifth went on its side.
A train has derailed near Lewes
“We felt the train speeding up and started to rock. Then our carriage jumped vertically upwards and we could tell it was a derailment. The emergency brakes went on the train and everything got thrown forward.
“The train skidded for quite a while before it stopped. We turned around and we saw the whole back of the train was open and smoke and dust were pouring into the carriage and we saw the fifth carriage had gone on its side.”
He told BBC News that a number of air ambulances flew in, and he saw people with head injuries, blood and cuts.
A carriage on its side(Image: NoHoldenback/Instagram)
According to British Transport police: “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”
Unconfirmed images appear to show the train lying on its side. It is not yet clear what caused the derailing.
Emergency services carrying a stretcher
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander wrote on X: “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.”
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have said: We can confirm we were called at 3.55pm to reports that a train had derailed just outside Lewes.
“We continue to work at the scene alongside our emergency service colleagues and other partners. Please avoid the area.”
Helena Dollimore, Labour MP for Hastings and Rye said: “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.”
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