Passenger train derails: Emergency services race to scene with services cancelled and major delays

Are YOU affected? Email lettice.bromovsky@dailymail.co.uk See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 11:45 EDT, 13 August 2026 | Updated: 12:26 EDT, 13 August 2026 A passenger train has derailed in East Sussex, trapping dozens of passengers in overturned carriages. The eight-carriage service came off the line between Haywards Heath and Lewes at around 3.54pm this afternoon, with services set to be cancelled until 10pm. More than 40 people are believed to be trapped inside the train, with three carriages overturned and emergency services rushing to provide first aid.Southern Railway said in a statement: 'A train has derailed in the Lewes area. This has closed all lines running through this station.'As a result of this, trains are currently unable to run through the area to allow the emergency services to attend the incident.'Major disruption is expected until 10pm.' Images show passengers standing on top of the overturned train carriages after the incident, which comes on the hottest day of the year so far. Officers from Sussex Police and East Sussex Fire and Rescue are in attendance. A passenger train has derailed in East Sussex, trapping passengers in overturned carriages Passengers stand on top of the overturned carriages, which came off the line between Haywards Heath and Lewes at around 3.54pm this afternoonThe public has been ordered to avoid the area as emergency services continue to swarm the track. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was 'deeply concerned' following the incident. 'Deeply concerned of reports of a derailment involving a Southern train in Lewes, Sussex,' she wrote on social media platform X. 'Grateful to emergency services who are on the scene supporting those impacted.'We are working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers.'A spokesman for British Transport Police said: 'Officers are currently on scene close to Lewes railway station following reports of a derailed train at 3.54pm today (13 August). 'We're responding alongside paramedics and the fire service and will provide more information as soon as we can.' This is a breaking news story. More to follow.