Second train derails in England within 24 hours after Lewes crash injures 20

First derailment near Lewes

A Southern Rail commuter train carrying about 150 passengers from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed near Lewes in East Sussex on Thursday afternoon, shortly before 16:00 local time (15:00 GMT). Three carriages came off the tracks and ended up on their side, trapping passengers. British Transport Police (BTP) declared a major incident at the scene.

Two passengers were taken to major trauma centres with severe injuries. BTP said on Friday that these injuries were not deemed life-threatening, and that both patients remain in hospital. A further 18 people were treated at hospital for less serious injuries and have since been discharged, bringing the total number of hospitalised people to 20.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has dispatched inspectors to the scene. They are gathering evidence, examining infrastructure, and reviewing CCTV, signalling and train data. The cause of the derailment remains unknown.

Second derailment near Wickford

Less than 24 hours later, a Greater Anglia train derailed at 2:12pm on Friday, 14 August, just south of Wickford railway station in Essex. The rear carriages of the train came off the rails but remained in an upright position. About 40 to 45 passengers were on board the train, which was travelling from Southend, according to Basildon Council.

No injuries have been reported. Ambulances and firefighters were mobilised as a precaution. Network Rail confirmed that two carriages derailed and said it was working quickly to understand the situation.

Network Rail response

Martin Frobisher, director for safety and engineering at Network Rail, acknowledged public concern about two passenger train derailments occurring within a short interval.

We are currently responding to a derailment incident near Wickford station in Essex, and we are working quickly to understand the situation and to provide assistance where needed. Two carriages have derailed but remained fully upright, and there are no significant injuries reported. I appreciate the public will be concerned at the news of two derailments of passenger trains over a short period of time, but I want to reassure them that Britain's railways still rank among the safest in the world, and that safety is always our first consideration on the railway.

Travel disruption

The derailments have caused widespread rail disruption across southern and eastern England. Southern Rail said trains between London Victoria and Eastbourne will be cancelled this weekend, with the line between Haywards Heath and Lewes closed indefinitely in both directions. Cooksbridge and Plumpton stations will not be served all weekend, with rail replacement buses operating. Southern has advised travellers heading to Eastbourne, which is hosting its popular Airbourne air show this weekend, to travel via Brighton along the coast.

In Essex, National Rail said no trains are expected between Wickford and Southend Victoria until further notice. Greater Anglia services between London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria are cancelled in full, and the Southminster branch line is also affected. Passengers have been advised not to travel between Shenfield and Southend Victoria. Southern Rail has urged commuters planning to travel on Monday to check its website on Sunday evening for updates.