All rail lines between Lewes and Haywards Heath closed following train derailment - passengers told to allow 60 minutes extra travel time
All rail lines between Lewes and Haywards Heath have been closed following a train derailment in Lewes that left 20 people injured.
A ‘major incident’ was declared after a train derailed in the Lewes area yesterday (Thursday, August 13).
Emergency services were called to the incident near Lewes train station at 3.55pm.
The incident involved a Southern train travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne.
Three railway carriages were on their sides.
A statement on the Southern website said: “Yesterday afternoon, a train derailed in the Lewes area. As a result of this, all lines between Lewes and Haywards Heath are closed.
“Trains are unable to run between Lewes and Haywards Heath and will be cancelled.
“Major disruption is expected to continue until further notice.
“Following the incident, the railway between Lewes and Haywards Heath remains closed until further notice while investigations, detailed assessments and repairs are carried out.
“Southern are continuing to work closely with their Network Rail partners, whose engineers and specialist teams are assessing the damage and identifying the work needed before trains can safely run again.
“Until the investigations, assessments and repairs are complete, services will be cancelled or changed, and journeys may take longer than usual. Replacement transport is being provided where possible to help you continue your journey.
“Please check your journey before travelling and allow extra time.
“Southern will provide further updates as more information becomes available.”
Customer advice
The statement continued: “Your journey is likely to take a little longer than usual today as trains are unable to run between Lewes and Haywards Heath.
“To help customers continue their journeys, rail replacement buses will be running between Haywards Heath and Lewes, calling at:
- Cooksbridge
- Plumpton
“There are fewer travel options than normal for some customers. To help keep you moving, Southern have added extra carriages to services between Brighton and Hastings and Brighton and Seaford wherever possible, providing more space on board for customers travelling along the route. If you're travelling towards Eastbourne or Hastings, you'll need to change trains at Brighton to continue your journey.
“If you're travelling today, please allow at least 60 minutes of additional journey time and check your journey before setting off for the latest travel information.”
Can I use my ticket with another operator?
You can travel on the following services at no additional cost:
- Southern services between Brighton and London Victoria
- Thameslink services between Brighton and London Bridge
- Gatwick Express services between Brighton and London Victoria
- London Underground between all London terminals
- Southeastern services between Hastings and London terminals
Brighton & Hove bus services on the following routes:
- 28 – Brighton (St Peter’s Church), Moulsecoomb (Brighton University), Falmer, Lewes (Post Office / Law Courts), Polegate, and Eastbourne
- 29 / 29B / 29X – Brighton (St Peter’s Church), Moulsecoomb (Brighton University), Falmer, Lewes (Post Office / Law Courts), Uckfield, Crowborough, Eridge, and Tunbridge Wells