Two individuals have been critically injured after a Southern Rail prepare with round 150 individuals on board derailed close to Lewes in East Sussex on Thursday afternoon.
Pictures circulated on-line present numerous prepare carriages mendacity on their aspect, with passengers clambering out of the tipped over carriage and standing on prime it as they escape from the scene.
Right here is every thing we all know concerning the incident.
The place and the way did the incident occur?
The affected prepare was the two.24pm Southern prepare from London Victoria to Eastbourne.
Emergency companies on the scene of a prepare derailment close to Lewes in East Sussex
PA
It derailed within the space between Haywards Heath and Lewes shortly earlier than 4pm, between Landport Highway and the River Ouse a few mile north of the city’s railway station.
It has not but been confirmed how the prepare got here off the tracks.
What number of accidents have been reported?
An additional 9 sufferers additionally sustained much less severe accidents.
A spokesperson stated: “Sufferers have been assessed and handled on the scene, with some transported to native hospitals for additional therapy and care.
“Numerous passengers who didn’t require hospital therapy have been taken to a local people centre, the place they’re being supported by associate businesses.”
It added that it continues to reply to the key incident alongside different emergency companies and urged individuals to keep away from the world.
What has been the emergency response?
In addition to the South East Coast Ambulance Service, hearth engines and police have additionally been stationed alongside Landport Highway in Lewes.
East Sussex Fireplace and Rescue Service says it has despatched 10 hearth engines, a command help unit, technical rescue groups, officers and different assets.
Emergency companies on Landport Highway close to the scene
PA
One individual might be seen being taken away in an ambulance.
College Hospitals Sussex NHS Basis Belief confirmed that it responded “to a serious incident” alongside different emergency companies.
How has the incident affected the rail community?
Nationwide Rail has confirmed that no trains are working between Lewes and Haywards Heath, with main disruption anticipated till additional discover.
Southern Rail are additionally advising prospects to not journey.
The scene the place two individuals have been critically injured after a prepare derailed
PA
Trains between Brighton, Lewes and Eastbourne & Seaford have a closely lowered service, and Cooksbridge and Plumpton stations aren’t being served.
Rail alternative buses have been requested by the operator.
These travelling to Gatwick Airport have been suggested to permit at the least an additional 150 minutes for his or her journeys to make sure they make their flight connections.
What have individuals been saying concerning the incident?
BTP declared a serious incident following the derailment.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith stated: “We’ve declared a serious incident and a major emergency service response is ongoing on the scene, however all passengers on the prepare have now been safely evacuated from the service.
“Our ideas are in fact with everybody affected, and I’d wish to reassure the general public that we’re supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Department to determine precisely what’s occurred. We’ll present additional data as quickly as we’re in a position”.
Yana Ludwig, who was travelling alone on the prepare from London to Lewes, instructed reporters the expertise as “utterly terrifying”.
“There was a banging. Every little thing simply went topsy turvy,” the 56-year-old from the US stated.
“It appeared like a very very long time nevertheless it in all probability was 10 seconds of that earlier than the carriage really fell on the aspect.”
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander
PA Wire
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander stated she was “deeply involved” following the derailment.
In a publish on X, the Labour MP stated: “Deeply involved of studies of a derailment involving a Southern prepare in Lewes, Sussex.
“Grateful to emergency companies who’re on the scene supporting these impacted. We’re working shortly with the rail trade and native companions to help passengers.”
