Train derails near Lewes station, trapping passengers

A passenger train derailed near Lewes railway station in East Sussex on Thursday, August 13, 2026, trapping passengers in overturned carriages and causing major disruption to rail services across the south of England. Emergency services were called to the scene at approximately 3:54 p.m. local time, with reports indicating that three of the train's eight carriages had overturned.

British Transport Police confirmed officers were on scene close to Lewes station, responding alongside paramedics and the fire service. East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service stated it was called at 3:55 p.m. to reports of a derailment just outside Lewes and was working with other emergency services at the scene. The South East Coast Ambulance Service said it dispatched a number of resources, including specialist teams, shortly before 4:00 p.m.

Images from the scene showed at least two carriages lying on their side in a countryside area, with passengers standing on top of the overturned cars. A BBC News reporter at the scene described a large emergency service presence, including three helicopters waiting in a nearby field, and saw the rear carriage completely on its side at the bottom of a small...