A packed Southern service carrying about 150 people from London to the Sussex coast derailed near Lewes, leaving two passengers seriously injured and prompting police to declare a major incident.
The crash occurred outside Lewes in East Sussex, where British Transport Police (BTP) said three carriages toppled onto their side, trapping people inside the train.
The Southern train had been travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne. BTP said the train has since been safely evacuated.
Speaking outside a nearby community centre that was taking in passengers, Yana Ludwig, who was travelling from London to Lewes, described the ordeal as 2 “completely terrifying”.
“There was a banging. Everything just went topsy turvy,” said Ludwig, 56, who is from the United States.
“It seemed like a really long time, but it probably was ten seconds of that before the carriage actually fell on the side.”
She said she ended up propped over another passenger. “I’m pretty banged up,” she added.
Ludwig said passengers immediately began checking on one another. “These moments everybody kind of pulls together,” she said.
BTP said it believes two patients sustained serious injuries, while a further nine patients suffered less serious injuries.
“Patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals,” the force said.
South East Coast Ambulance Service said several passengers who did not need hospital care were taken to a local community centre, where partner agencies were providing support.
“This remains a complex and ongoing multi-agency response,” a spokesperson said.
Along Landport Road in Lewes, fire engines, ambulances and police vehicles lined the street. Nearby, a double decker bus was parked by the community hub, waiting to transport passengers.
One person was seen being taken away in an ambulance.
Images shared online showed at least two train carriages lying on their side, with two passengers standing on top.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she is “deeply concerned” about the derailment and is “working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers”.
BTP Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said: “Our thoughts are of course with everyone affected, and I’d like to reassure the public that we’re supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish exactly what’s happened.
“We’ll provide further information as soon as we are able.”
Deeply concerned of reports of a derailment involving a Southern train in Lewes, Sussex.
Grateful to emergency services who are on the scene supporting those impacted.
We are working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers.
— Heidi Alexander MP (@Heidi_Labour) August 13, 2026
