Two critically injured in commuter train derailment in southeast England

At least two people suffered severe injuries when a busy commuter train derailed near Lewes in southeast England on Thursday, August 13, 2026, emergency services said. The incident occurred shortly before 4:00 pm (1500 GMT) on a train that had departed from London Victoria station.

The ambulance service reported that approximately 150 passengers were on board when the train veered off the tracks. Footage from the scene showed at least three overturned carriages, with paramedics attending to the injured. The cause of the derailment remains unknown.

Deputy Chief Paramedic Officer Michael Bradfield told a news briefing that 20 people were taken to hospital with a range of injuries. Of those, two were categorised as severe and were conveyed to a major trauma centre for specialist treatment.

Ian Drummond-Smith of the British Transport Police confirmed that a major incident had been declared, but all passengers on the train had been safely evacuated. The train was operated by Southern Rail, a company that provides services connecting areas south of London to the capital.

Lucy McAuliffe, Network Rail's route director for Sussex, said they are working closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, who are on site to establish exactly what has happened.

Train accidents, particularly those involving fatalities, are relatively rare in Britain. In June, a train driver was killed and dozens of people were injured when two trains collided north of London. In November, four people suffered minor injuries in a derailment caused by a reported landslide in remote northwestern England.

The authorities have urged the public to avoid the area while investigations and recovery operations continue. Further updates are expected as the inquiry progresses.