A Southern passenger train travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed near Lewes, East Sussex, shortly before 4pm on Thursday, prompting a major emergency response and the closure of several rail routes. Two people suffered serious injuries and nine others sustained less serious injuries; all passengers were evacuated safely. The incident has raised concerns about rail operations during a heatwave, although the operator’s chief executive said the network remained safe and derailments were extremely rare.

The eight-carriage train derailed between Haywards Heath and Lewes, with aerial images showing three carriages on their sides. Witness Rob Bradley said the train had accelerated and begun rocking before it derailed and skidded to a halt. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has opened an inquiry, while British Transport Police and emergency services continue to establish the cause.