Two seriously injured in latest update as train derails in East Sussex with 150 onboard

Two people have been seriously injured in a horrific train derailment in Lewes, which saw three carriages tip over onto their side.

The Southern Rail train travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne derailed near Lewes railway station in East Sussex at around 3.54pm, according to the British Transport Police.

Images from the incident show at least three carriages on their side, with emergency services swarming the scene.

South East Coast Ambulance Service said in a statement that 150 people were on board, and two people have been seriously injured, with nine others suffering less severe injuries.

Dad Rob Bradley, who was on the train with his six-year-old daughter, described the horrifying moment it came off the track to BBC News.

He said he ‘felt the train speeding up and started to rock’ before his carriage ‘jumped vertically upwards’

Two people were seriously injured (Laura Arnold/PA Wire)

He added: “The emergency brakes went on the train and everything got thrown forward. The train skidded for quite a while before it stopped.”

Yana Ludwig, 56, from the US, told the Press Association: “There was a banging. Everything just went topsy turvy.

“It seemed like a really long time but it probably was 10 seconds of that before the carriage actually fell on the side.”

Near the scene of the derailment, fire engines, ambulances and police were stationed on Landport Road, with a double decker bus waiting to transport passengers who had been rescued from the train. A helicopter was also pictured at the scene.

Local resident Oriana Evans worked with her son to help the casualties, telling the Press Association: "I walked and chatted to some of them in shock really.

“They were in the carriages that rolled over.”

The overturned carriages (Jonathan Brady/PA Wire)

South East Coast Ambulance Service said: “At this stage, we can confirm that two patients have sustained serious injuries and a further nine patients have sustained less serious injuries.

“Patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals for further treatment and care.

“A number of passengers who did not require hospital treatment have been taken to a local community centre, where they are being supported by partner agencies.

“This remains a complex and ongoing multi-agency response. Our priority continues to be providing care to those affected and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.

“We would ask the public to avoid the area where possible and allow emergency services to continue their work.”

A major incident has been declared (PA)

Meanwhile. British Transport Police (BTP) said a major incident had been declared, adding that the overturned carriages had got out safely.

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said: “We’ve declared a major incident and a significant emergency service response is ongoing at the scene, but all passengers on the train have now been safely evacuated from the service.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Southern Rail have advised that there are no trains running between Lewes and Haywards Heath, with major disruption expected until further notice.

They added on their website: “Southern are advising that you do not travel.

“If you are already on a train, your journey will take longer than usual.”