Britain’s rail network faced fresh disruption on Thursday afternoon when a passenger train derailed in Essex — the second derailment reported in less than 24 hours following a serious incident in East Sussex that left dozens needing hospital care.
A Greater Anglia service derailed at 2.12pm today just south of Wickford railway station in Essex, according to British Transport Police (BTP).
BTP said officers, paramedics and firefighters were sent to the location after reports that the rear carriages of the train had derailed while remaining upright.
No injuries have currently been reported.
About 40 to 45 passengers were on board the train, which was travelling from Southend, Basildon Council said.
The derailment came a day after BTP declared a major incident in East Sussex when three carriages of a Southern train toppled onto their side near Lewes, trapping passengers yesterday afternoon.
Around 150 people had been on board the service from London Victoria to Eastbourne.
Emergency services near the scene where a Greater Anglia train derailed
Two people were taken to major trauma centres with “severe” injuries and BTP said today that these were not deemed to be life-threatening.
“They both remain in hospital and the 18 people who were also treated at hospital for less serious injuries have been discharged,” they added.
A spokesperson for BTP said, “Officers are currently on scene just south of Wickford railway station in Essex following reports that the rear carriages of a train have derailed in an upright position at 2.12pm today.”
“We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service. There are currently no reported injuries,” they added.
Rail services through the area were halted, with National Rail warning that no trains are expected to run between Wickford and Southend Victoria until further notice.
“There is a problem currently under investigation between Wickford and Southend Victoria. This has closed all lines running between these stations.
“As a result, Greater Anglia trains running between London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria will be cancelled in full. You can use alternative services to travel between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield. You are advised not to travel between Shenfield and Southend Victoria as services are unable to run,” it added.
“Please note, the Southminster branch line is also affected by this issue, and services are currently unable to run between Wickford and Southminster.
Officers are currently on scene at Wickford railway station in Essex following reports that the rear carriages of a train have derailed in an upright position at 2.12pm today.
We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service. There are currently no reported injuries.
— British Transport Police (@BTP) August 14, 2026
“Major disruption is expected to continue until further notice,” it said.
Network Rail said it was working to establish what happened and to support the response on the ground.
A Network Rail spokesperson said, “We are dealing with a derailment incident near Wickford station in Essex, and we are working quickly to understand the situation and to provide assistance where needed.
“We will provide further information in due course,” they added.
Councillor Andy Barnes, leader of Basildon Council, said, “I would like to thank all of the emergency services who are currently responding to this incident. Our thoughts are with everyone affected, and we sincerely hope that all those involved are safe and well.
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said of the East Sussex incident, “Our thoughts remain firmly with those who were injured and their loved ones. On behalf of BTP, I wish them a full and speedy recovery.”
The force is appealing for anyone on board the derailed train who has not already spoken to police to come forward.
Three carriages of a Southern train ended up on their side, trapping passengers near Lewes a day earlier
Officers said many passengers left the area and took alternative routes home after they were evacuated.
Mr Drummond-Smith said the public can expect to see a “continued police presence” at the scene in the coming days as the RAIB’s investigation into the cause continues.
Network Rail said investigations into the two derailments would examine “all possible causes and factors”, with one senior figure noting that hot weather had “presented exceptional challenges to the railway”.
Martin Frobisher, Group Safety and Engineering Director at Network Rail, said, “The Rail Accident Investigation Branch is conducting an investigation into the derailment at Lewes, and has investigators on scene at the Wickford incident.
“We would ask people to avoid speculating on the cause of any incidents until further information is available. We will also conduct our own internal investigations, in which we will look at all possible causes and factors,” he added.
