Second train derails day after two passengers badly hurt in East Sussex
A second train has derailed less than 24 hours after two passengers were seriously injured when a Southern Rail service came off the tracks in East Sussex.
A Greater Anglia train derailed at 2.12pm on Friday south of Wickford railway station in Essex, British Transport Police said.
BTP said officers, paramedics and firefighters are at the scene after reports that the rear carriages of the train have derailed in an upright position.
No injuries have currently been reported.
It comes after a major incident was declared by British Transport Police (BTP) in East Sussex when three carriages of a Southern train ended up on their side, trapping passengers near Lewes on Thursday afternoon.
Around 150 people had been on board the service from London Victoria to Eastbourne.
Two people were taken to major trauma centres with “severe” injuries and BTP said on Friday these were not deemed to be life-threatening.
A statement said: “They both remain in hospital and the 18 people who were also treated at hospital for less serious injuries have been discharged.”
A spokesperson for BTP said on Friday: “Officers are currently on scene just south of Wickford railway station in Essex following reports that the rear carriages of a train have derailed in an upright position at 2.12pm today (14 August).
“We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service.
“There are currently no reported injuries.”
No trains between Wickford and Southend Victoria are expected until further notice, National Rail says on its website.
It says: “There is a problem currently under investigation between Wickford and Southend Victoria. This has closed all lines running between these stations.
“As a result, Greater Anglia trains running between London Liverpool Street and Southend Victoria will be cancelled in full. You can use alternative services to travel between London Liverpool Street and Shenfield. You are advised not to travel between Shenfield and Southend Victoria as services are unable to run.
“Please note, the Southminster branch line is also affected by this issue, and services are currently unable to run between Wickford and Southminster.
“Major disruption is expected to continue until further notice.”
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are dealing with a derailment incident in Anglia, and we are working quickly to understand the situation and to provide assistance where needed.
“We will provide further information in due course.”
Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said of the East Sussex incident: “Our thoughts remain firmly with those who were injured and their loved ones. On behalf of BTP, I wish them a full and speedy recovery.”
The force is appealing for anyone on board the derailed train who has not already spoken to police to come forward.
Officers said many passengers left the area and took alternative routes home after they were evacuated.
Pictures show rail staff, police and members of the Rail Accident Investigation Bureau (RAIB) beside the tracks on Friday.
Mr Drummond-Smith said the public can expect to see a “continued police presence” at the scene in the coming days as the RAIB’s investigation into the cause continues.
The senior officer also paid tribute to communities and emergency services who responded to the derailment.
“Local Lewes residents and business owners came out in their droves to support affected passengers, providing water and refreshments in extremely hot conditions,” he said.
“My thanks and appreciation go to them, as well as our officers and emergency service colleagues whose professionalism ensured those on board were brought to safety in incredibly challenging circumstances.”
John Whitehurst, chief executive of Greater Thameslink Railway, said on Friday derailments are “incredibly rare”, adding that what happened near Lewes “was a very serious incident and I’m deeply saddened by it”.
Asked on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme if the railway was safe in hot weather, Mr Whitehurst said: “The railway is safe. These types of incidents are incredibly rare.
“We have control processes in place that involve inspection, temporary speed restrictions or even suspending services if that’s required.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub
