A passenger train has derailed near Lewes in East Sussex, Network Rail has confirmed. The incident occurred just before 4pm on Thursday, with emergency services including paramedics and the fire service on site. British Transport Police stated officers are present close to Lewes railway station. Network Rail and Southern Rail said in a joint statement: “We are aware that a passenger train has derailed in the Lewes area. Emergency services are on site and we will update with more information when we can.”

No immediate cause was identified, but one source said there were no fatalities or serious injuries. The derailment comes during a UK heatwave, with temperatures in Lewes above 30C. Network Rail has previously warned that high heat can cause tracks, which may be 20C warmer than the air, to expand and buckle. Pictures showed an Electrostar train in Southern Railway livery on its side; these trains, built between 2001 and 2014, are relatively modern and appeared to remain mostly intact.

This incident follows a fatal crash in Bedford on June 19, where a driver was killed after passing a red signal. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander wrote on X that she was “deeply concerned” and working with the rail industry to assist passengers. Southern Rail has closed all lines through the station, with “major disruption” expected until at least 10pm.