Southern train derails near Lewes in East Sussex

A significant train derailment occurred near Lewes in East Sussex, England, shortly before 16:00 local time on Thursday, August 13, 2026. The British Transport Police (BTP) confirmed they received reports of the incident at 15:54. Social media reports and images show at least two carriages overturned on their sides, with passengers visible atop the wreckage. While official casualty figures remain unclear, some reports indicate that approximately 40 individuals may be trapped inside the derailed carriages.

Emergency services, including fire crews and rescue teams, have been deployed to the site to conduct extraction operations and assess the situation. The rail operator, Southern, has officially halted train traffic across several major routes in the region, including lines connecting Brighton, Lewes, Haywards Heath, Seaford, and Eastbourne. Authorities are currently working to secure the scene and ensure the safety of all passengers involved. No information regarding the specific cause of the derailment or the number of potential injuries has been released as of late Thursday afternoon.