BREAKING: MAJOR TRAIN EMERGENCY NEAR BRIGHTON AS CARRIAGES DERAIL AND AROUND 40 PEOPLE ARE REPORTED TRAPPED INSIDE.
Lewes train derailment LIVE: Crash near Brighton as 40 people trapped in carriages
A major emergency response is under way after a train derailed near a busy UK station.
Train derailment near Lewes in East Sussex (Image: Eddie Mitchell)
A train has derailed near Lewes in East Sussex as emergency services swarm the scene.
Around 40 passengers are believed to be stuck inside the overturned train, while others are reported to have escaped by climbing onto the roof.
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East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has urged people to avoid the area as crews work alongside police and paramedics.
All railway lines through Lewes have been closed, with National Rail warning of major disruption until 10pm.
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Track safety inspection reported hours before derailment
Southern warned passengers of a track safety inspection further up the line around two hours before the derailment near Lewes.
In an update posted at around 1.45pm, the operator said some lines between Purley and Gatwick Airport were running at reduced speed, while some southbound lines towards Gatwick were blocked.
Passengers were told to allow extra time for their journeys, with delays of up to 20 minutes also reported following an earlier signalling fault.
There is currently no suggestion that the earlier track issue was connected to the derailment near Lewes.
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Passengers believed to have been removed from train
The last passengers rescued from the overturned train were flown from the scene by air ambulance, with three helicopters taking off at around 6pm.
Emergency services began packing up shortly afterwards.
It is believed all passengers have now been taken off the train.
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‘I saved my family and tried to help another couple’
Dad-of-two Liton Miah, from Eastbourne, said he was travelling with his wife and daughters to visit relatives in London when the train overturned near Lewes.
He suffered heavy bruising to his side and said:
“I saw on the big board there as a problem with the track.
“I don’t know they didn’t take any precautions.
“I saved my family and tried to help another couple.
“The guy was bleeding heavily and there was not much I could do to help him.”
Mr Miah and his family later went to a local community centre where injured people were being triaged before treatment.
An air ambulance was seen taking off from the scene at around 5.58pm.
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More pictures emerge from inside derailed train
Further pictures from inside the derailed Southern train show passengers still inside the carriages.
The images give another view of the situation on board as emergency services continue to work at the scene.
The scene where a train travelling through Lewes, East Sussex, derailed this afternoon (Image: Josh Parker / SWNS)
The scene where a train travelling through Lewes, East Sussex, derailed (Image: Josh Parker / SWNS)
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Have you been affected by the Lewes train derailment?
Have you been caught up in the disruption following the derailment near Lewes, or were you on one of the affected services?
If you have pictures, video or information from the scene or your journey, get in touch with us by emailing [email protected]
We’ll continue to bring you the latest updates as we get them.
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Delays showing at London Bridge
A number of departures are being delayed at London Bridge station as disruption continues across the rail network following the Lewes derailment.
The departure boards show several services affected, including trains towards Brighton, Three Bridges and Bedford.
Passengers travelling through the area are being urged to check their journeys before setting off.
Delays showing at London Bridge (Image: X)
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What we know so far
A Southern train has derailed near Lewes in East Sussex, prompting a major emergency response.
Here’s what we know so far:
Around 40 passengers are believed to be stuck inside the overturned train.
The train was an eight-coach Southern service from London Victoria to Eastbourne. It left Victoria at 2.24pm and derailed shortly after 3.53pm, just beyond Lewes station.
A Department for Transport source told the BBC the latest understanding was that there were no serious injuries or fatalities.
All lines through Lewes are closed, with National Rail warning of major disruption until 10pm.
Passengers have been advised to travel later where possible and allow at least an extra 60 minutes if they need to make their journey.
The cause of the derailment has not yet been confirmed.
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Person seen on stretcher at derailment scene
A picture from the scene shows a person on a stretcher near the derailed train in Lewes.
Emergency crews can be seen nearby as the response to the incident continues.
Person on stretcher after derailment in Lewes (Image: Eddie Mitchell)
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Picture appears to show bowed section of track
A photo from the scene appears to show a “significantly” bowed section of track beyond the derailed carriages.
The image is among those emerging from the scene as investigators work to establish what caused the Southern train to leave the tracks.
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Train derailment near Lewes (Image: X)
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Inside overturned carriage after Lewes derailment
A picture from inside one of the overturned carriages shows the aftermath of the derailment.
The image gives a glimpse inside the Southern train after several carriages left the tracks earlier this afternoon.
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New pictures show carriages off the tracks
New pictures from the scene show several carriages from the Southern train off the tracks near Lewes.
Emergency crews can also be seen gathered around the area as the response continues.
Lewes train crash (Image: Eddie Mitchell)
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Lewes MP calls derailment ‘very serious and developing’
James MacCleary, the MP for Lewes, has described the derailment as a “very serious and developing incident”.
In a Facebook post, he said:
“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.”
