A passenger train derailed near Lewes railway station in East Sussex, southern England, on Thursday, triggering a major emergency response involving police, firefighters and paramedics.

The incident occurred at around 3:54 pm local time, according to the British Transport Police (BTP). Lewes is located roughly 70 miles south of London.

Emergency services rushed to the scene following reports of the derailment. British Transport Police said officers were responding alongside ambulance and fire services and that further information would be provided as the operation continued.

No Serious Injuries Reported

There were no immediate reports of serious injuries or fatalities following the derailment.

British media outlets, citing a source at the UK Department for Transport, reported that no serious casualties had been confirmed.

Images circulating on social media appeared to show several train carriages lying on their sides, with some passengers or people at the scene seen standing on top of the train.

Authorities continued to assess the situation and assist passengers following the incident.

Emergency Teams at Scene

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service said it was working alongside other emergency services at the site.

Members of the public were urged to stay away from the area to allow emergency responders to carry out rescue and safety operations.

The scale of the emergency response reflected the need to secure the derailed train, assess passengers and ensure the area was safe for rescue personnel and railway workers.

Transport Secretary Responds

UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was deeply concerned after learning about the derailment.

She thanked emergency responders for their efforts and said the government was working with the rail industry and local partners to assist passengers affected by the incident.

The exact cause of the derailment was not immediately known.

An investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the condition of the track, train and other operational factors.

Heatwave Adds to Rail Disruption

The derailment occurred as parts of southern England were experiencing a heatwave, with temperatures reaching around 35 degrees Celsius in some areas.

Extreme heat had already caused disruption to railway services in the region.

Several train services had been cancelled before the derailment, while others were operating at reduced speeds as a precaution amid the high temperatures.

Rail operators had warned passengers to expect delays and cancellations.

Lewes Services Suspended

National Rail warned of major disruption following the incident.

According to the rail operator, trains were unable to operate through Lewes and Haywards Heath until further notice.

Passengers travelling through the affected route were advised to use alternative routes to reach their destinations.

The disruption is expected to continue while emergency services complete their work at the derailment site and railway authorities assess the condition of the track and infrastructure.

Investigation Underway

Authorities have not yet established what caused the passenger train to leave the tracks.

Investigators will assess the train, railway infrastructure and operational conditions as part of efforts to determine the cause.

For passengers, the immediate priority remains finding alternative routes as rail services through the affected area remain suspended.

Further details are expected as emergency services and railway authorities continue their assessment of the incident.