Southern Rail train derails near Lewes with 20 people injured

A passenger train derailed near Lewes in East Sussex on Thursday afternoon, 13 August 2026. The Southern Rail service was travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne with around 150 people on board. Three carriages overturned and left the tracks just north of Lewes station tunnel. All passengers were evacuated safely, and no one was killed. Two people suffered serious injuries, and 18 others had less serious injuries. Emergency services including police, fire crews, and ambulance teams responded quickly. Passengers were taken to Landport Community Centre to be checked by medical staff. British Transport Police declared a major incident. Investigators will look at whether the summer heat played a role in causing the derailment.