Emergency services are at the scene of a train derailment between Haywards Heath and Lewes in Sussex.
Photographs shared online show at least two carriages of a train lying on their side, with two passengers stood on top.
In a statement, British Transport Police said: “Officers are currently on scene close to Lewes railway station following reports of a derailed train at 3.54pm today (13 August).
“We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service and will provide more information as soon as we can.”
In updates, Southern Rail said passengers who are currently on trains close to Lewes station should remain on the train and await further updates.
The rail operator said: “Emergency services are making their way to the scene and we are working out the impact this will have on our network.”
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said she is “deeply concerned”. She added: “Grateful to emergency services who are on the scene supporting those impacted.“We are working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers.”
Have you witnessed the crash or have pictures from the scene? Email bryony.gooch@independent.co.uk
Alternative routes identified for those facing disruption
Those facing disruption will be able to travel on alternative services at no additional cost, Southern Rail has said.
These services are:
- Southern services between Brighton and London Victoria
- Thameslink services between Brighton and London Victoria
- Gatwick Express services between Brighton and London Victoria
- London Underground between all 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 Eastbourne29 / 29B / 29X – Brighton (St Peter’s Church), Moulsecoomb (Brighton University), Falmer, Lewes (Post Office / Law Courts), Uckfield, Crowborough, Eridge, and Tunbridge Wells
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:16
Transport secretary ‘deeply concerned’ by derailment
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she is “deeply concerned” by the derailment in Sussex, which reportedly involves a Southern Railway train.
Writing on X, the Cabinet minister said: “Deeply concerned of reports of a derailment involving a Southern train in Lewes, Sussex.
“Grateful to emergency services who are on the scene supporting those impacted.
“We are working quickly with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers.”
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:14
Major disruption on train network expected until 10pm
The derailment has closed all lines running through Lewes and Haywards Heath.Routes affected include:
- Ore
- Eastbourne
- Seaford and Brighton
- and between Ore/Eastbourne and London Victoria
Network Rail said customers should use an alternative route and recommended passengers travel later today, where possible.
Anyone already travelling should allow at least an additional 60 minutes to complete your journey today.
Trains between Brighton, Lewes and Eastbourne / Seaford are likely to be disrupted so please allow an additional 60 minutes if you must travel on this route.
Buses will also replace trains on Cooksbridge and Pumpton Southern services
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:12
Mapped: Where has the train been derailed?
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:12
Train brought to a standstill as emergency teams and engineers work on scene
Train movements in and around Lewes railway station have been stopped or significantly reduced while emergency response teams, Network Rail engineers and other specialist staff work to assess the situation and ensure the railway is safe, Southern Rail has said.
“At present, Southern are working closely with local teams and colleagues at Network Rail to assess the situation and understand the impact on services.
“They appreciate that this disruption may be causing inconvenience to your journey
“Please be assured that teams are doing everything possible to resolve the issue safely and as quickly as possible.
“They will continue to provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.”
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:10
In pictures: Train derailed in Lewes
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:07
Gatwick travellers warned to add 90 mins to journey
Those hoping to travel to Gatwick Airport have been advised to allow at least an extra 90 minutes to their journey to ensure they make their flight connections, Southern Rail has warned.
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:06
Where will trains be unable to run?
At this time, no trains can run between:
- Brighton and Lewes Haywards Heath and Lewes Seaford/Eastbourne and Lewes
Customers have been advised to delay their journeys in this area until later on today, or use an alternative route to travel.
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:05
Major disruption on line til 10pm
Southern Rail has warned customers will face major disruption until 10pm after a train was derailed in the Lewes area, which has closed all lines running through this station.
“As a result of this, trains are currently unable to run through the area to allow the emergency services to attend the incident.”
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:04
Fire crews arrive at scene of derailment as people warned to avoid the area
Fire crews have arrived at the scene of a train derailment near Lewes in East Sussex, and have warned people to avoid the area.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said they were called to an incident near Lewes train station.
“Other emergencies services have also been alerted,” the service said in a statement.
“We continue to work at the scene alongside our emergency service colleagues and other partners.
“Please avoid the area.”
Bryony Gooch13 August 2026 17:02NewerOlder