UK Passenger Train Derailment in Southeast England Leaves 11 Injured
Details and Response to the Lewes Train Derailment
Incident Overview
LONDON, Aug 13 (Reuters) - British Transport Police said the derailment of a passenger train near Lewes railway station in southeast England on Thursday left two people seriously injured and nine others with less serious injuries.
Timeline and Immediate Impact
Three carriages of the train derailed onto their sides following reports of the incident at about 3:44 p.m. local time, according to British Transport Police. A number of passengers were initially trapped but have since been safely evacuated, the police said.
Emergency Response
Agencies Involved
Emergency services, including Sussex Police and local fire, rescue and ambulance teams, were responding at the scene. Some of those injured were treated at the site, while others were taken to local hospitals.
Casualty Report
There were no immediate reports of any casualties.
Official Statements and Investigation
Police Statement
"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," Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said in a statement.
Investigation Efforts
He said authorities were supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch in efforts to determine the cause of the derailment.
Government Response
Transport minister Heidi Alexander said in a post on X that the government was working quickly with the rail industry to assist passengers.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Sam Tabahriti and Natalia Bueno RebolledoEditing by Andrew Heavens, David Goodman and Aurora Ellis)
