Southern Railway urges customers to check before travelling as Lewes derailment disruption continues and Eastbourne airshow begins

Southern Railway said this advice is particularly for those attending Eastbourne’s Airbourne airshow at the weekend.

The railway between Lewes and Haywards Heath is closed as specialist teams continue their emergency response, recovery and investigation work.

Southern Railway said: “Major disruption is expected across parts of the Southern network until further notice.

“With Eastbourne Airshow taking place this week, customers travelling to and from Eastbourne and surrounding areas are advised to travel via Brighton, where Southern has services to help you get to and from the event. Extra carriages have also been added to services on the route where possible, providing more capacity on board for customers.

“Trains and stations in the area will be extremely busy, so queueing systems will be in place and our staff will be on hand to help you with your journey.”

John Whitehurst, Chief Executive Officer of Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR), which operates Southern Railway, said: “My thoughts remain with everyone affected by this incident, especially those who have been injured, and with their families, friends and loved ones. Our absolute priority continues to be the welfare of passengers, colleagues and everyone caught up in the incident.

“I would like to thank the emergency services, local responders, our onboard and station colleagues, and teams from across the railway for the professionalism, dedication and compassion they have shown in extremely challenging circumstances. I am also grateful for the swift response and support shown by the local community in helping our customers in the immediate aftermath.

“We have received initial reports that four railway colleagues on board the train, including the driver, onboard supervisor, a spare driver and an off-duty member of staff, acted quickly to help make the railway safe and support passengers during the evacuation. Their actions are a powerful example of colleagues putting passengers first in very difficult circumstances.

“I recognise the disruption this is causing for customers travelling across Sussex and beyond. The railway through the affected area remains closed while specialist teams continue their work, and services will only resume when it is safe to do so. Alternative travel arrangements are in place and we are providing regular updates and journey advice to help customers complete their journeys.

“Our teams will continue keeping customers informed as recovery work progresses, and I would urge anyone travelling to check the latest information before they set off and allow extra time for their journey. Right now, our focus remains on supporting those affected, helping the investigation establish the facts, and restoring services safely.”

Southern Railway said it is working closely with Network Rail, emergency services and rail industry partners during recovery efforts.