Rail Accident Investigation Branch to conduct ‘full, independent safety investigation’ into train derailment near Lewes

A major incident was declared after three carriages of a train derailed onto their side, leaving a number of people trapped, near Lewes. yesterday afternoon (Thursday, August 13).

The ambulance service confirmed 20 people were taken to hospital, including two with serious injuries.

A spokesperson for RAIB said: “RAIB is conducting a full, independent safety investigation into the derailment of a passenger train at Lewes on 13 August.”

RAIB received a notification of the derailment of a passenger train near Lewes at 4pm on Thursday, with inspectors arriving on site at approximately 7.11pm.

The government agency said a RAIB team has continued to work on site alongside the British Transport Police, the Office of Rail and Road, and the railway companies involved, to secure the necessary evidence to support its independent safety investigation.

RAIB said it is continuing to examine the accident site including the derailed train, and railway infrastructure. The agency said it also collecting and reviewing a range of evidence, including CCTV footage, signalling data, and data downloaded from the train.

RAIB said the investigation is ‘independent of any investigation by the railway industry’ or by the industry’s regulator, the Office of Rail and Road.

RAIB will provide a further update, including initial facts and high-level scope of the investigation, next week, once it knows more.