Lewes train derailment: ‘Our thoughts are with everyone affected,’ says Community Rail Network chief executive
The chief executive of the Community Rail Network has issued a statement following the train derailment in Lewes on August 13.
Bill Freeman, chief executive of the Community Rail Network, said ‘our thoughts are with everyone affected’ following the derailment in Lewes on Thursday, August 13.
Mr Freeman said: “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by yesterday’s derailment in Lewes, particularly the two people who remain critically injured, those who sustained other injuries, and all passengers who experienced what will have been a deeply distressing incident.
"We’re also thinking of our railway family across the Southern network, including colleagues at Southeast CRP, who will be doing all they can to support their communities and the wider response in the day ahead.
"Our thanks go to the emergency services, Network Rail and railway colleagues for their swift and professional and to all working to support passengers and those affected.”
A major incident was declared after three carriages of a train derailed onto their side, leaving a number of people trapped, near Lewes.
The ambulance service has confirmed 20 people were taken to hospital, including two with serious injuries.
Network Rail also confirmed line will be closed until further notice.
A British Transport Police spokesperson said: “A major incident has been declared after three carriages of the train derailed onto their side, leaving a number of people trapped. They have now been safely evacuated.
"At this time we believe that two patients have sustained serious injuries and a further nine patients have sustained less serious injuries. Patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals.
"Officers are continuing to respond at the scene alongside colleagues from Sussex Police and the local Fire and Rescue and Ambulance Services.
"The incident involved a Southern train travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said: "We've declared a major incident and a significant emergency service response is ongoing at the scene, but all passengers on the train have now been safely evacuated from the service.
“Our thoughts are of course with everyone affected, and I’d like to reassure the public that we’re supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish exactly what's happened. We’ll provide further information as soon as we are able". Rescued passengers have been taken Landport Community Hub in Landport Road, Lewes. People at the community centre are handing out water and ambulance paramedics are carrying out medical checks."