Overview
- A passenger train derailed between Haywards Heath and Lewes shortly before 16:00 local time on Thursday, leaving at least two carriages on their side and prompting an immediate multi-agency response.
- British Transport Police and East Sussex fire and rescue crews are on site and have cordoned the area while emergency teams continue rescue and scene-safety operations.
- Southern Rail has warned of major cancellations and delays on the affected route and asked passengers to avoid the area while the line is blocked.
- No official casualty figures have been confirmed; some media outlets have reported up to about 40 people trapped but those claims remain unverified by emergency services.
- Authorities have said a formal investigation will follow once rescue work and scene safety are complete and commuters should expect lasting disruption on regional services.