Lewes derailment closes Haywards Heath-Lewes line after 11 injured
Southern service from London Victoria to Eastbourne left tracks near Plumpton, trapping 150 passengers
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A train derailed near Plumpton, East Sussex, on 13 August, leaving 11 people injured and 150 passengers trapped inside three carriages that toppled onto their sides. The incident occurred shortly before 16:00 on a Southern service travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne.
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Network Rail confirmed the railway between Haywards Heath and Lewes will stay shut until further notice. Southern advised passengers to expect cancellations and delays across the Sussex route network, with replacement buses running where possible.
John Whitehurst, chief executive of Greater Thameslink Railway, told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme that the incident was 'incredibly rare'. He said specialist teams are assessing both the train and the track infrastructure to determine the cause.
The train just started jostling, kind of bumping up and down, and then jostling from side to side like a seesaw, and everyone was screaming.
Rachel Heath, passenger
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Investigation under way
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has begun its inquiry. Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail’s route director for Sussex, said the organisation is cooperating fully with the RAIB, which has inspectors on site near Plumpton.
Whitehurst ruled out extreme heat as a direct factor, stating that the railway remains safe. He added that temporary speed restrictions or service suspensions are used when conditions require them.
What happens next
No date has been set for reopening the Haywards Heath, Lewes line. Southern and National Rail Enquiries are providing live service updates. Passengers are advised to allow extra time and check before travelling.
Questions this report answers
+How many people were injured in the Lewes derailment?
Eleven people were injured: two seriously and nine with less serious harm. The incident occurred on 13 August near Plumpton, East Sussex, involving a Southern service from London Victoria to Eastbourne.
+When will the Haywards Heath to Lewes line reopen?
No reopening date has been announced. Network Rail stated the line remains closed while the Rail Accident Investigation Branch conducts its inquiry into the 13 August derailment.
+What should passengers do if they need to travel between Haywards Heath and Lewes?
Passengers should check Southern and National Rail Enquiries for live updates. Replacement buses are operating where possible, but delays and cancellations are expected across the Sussex route network.
+Who is investigating the Lewes train derailment?
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is leading the inquiry. Greater Thameslink Railway and Network Rail are cooperating fully, with inspectors already on site near Plumpton.
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