Lewes derailment: line reopening planned for 1 September

Current travel position

The continuing closure is specifically between Haywards Heath and Lewes. There are no direct London–Eastbourne trains. Eastbourne passengers should travel via Brighton and change there; replacement buses run between Lewes and Haywards Heath, serving Plumpton and Cooksbridge when access allows. National Rail says to allow at least 60 minutes of extra journey time and check the journey planner before setting out.

Tickets are being accepted at no extra cost on Southern between London Victoria and Brighton, Gatwick Express between London Victoria and Brighton, Thameslink between London Bridge and Brighton, and London Underground between London terminals. Check the current National Rail incident notice because daily plans can change.

Network Rail and Southern announced on 20 August that they plan to reopen the route on 1 September. That is a planned date rather than a guarantee: the derailed train must be recovered, damaged track, ballast, signalling and embankment sections repaired, and the railway inspected and tested first. Read the official Network Rail and Southern recovery update.

What is confirmed

Train 1F34, the 14:24 Southern service from London Victoria to Eastbourne, derailed at around 15:54 on 13 August, approximately one mile north of Lewes station between Cooksbridge and Lewes Tunnel.

The eight-carriage train comprised two four-carriage Class 387 electric units. The rear three carriages derailed and overturned, coming to rest on the railway embankment; the front five remained on the rails.

Around 150 people were aboard. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch says 30 people were injured and 20 required hospital treatment, some with serious injuries. No deaths have been reported. A British Transport Police update on 14 August said two seriously injured people remained in hospital at that point and their injuries were not considered life-threatening. We found no later official patient-status update. See the RAIB investigation update and BTP update.

What investigators have found so far

RAIB’s preliminary data shows the train was travelling at about 65mph as it approached the derailment point, where the maximum permitted speed was 70mph. The driver applied the brakes as the train passed the derailment point.

Marks on the rails are consistent with wheels climbing over them. Train-camera footage shows that a track-geometry irregularity existed immediately before the derailment, and RAIB found evidence of earlier track-maintenance activity. It also received reports of rough riding at the location from passengers on preceding trains.

The weather was hot and dry, with the nearest weather station recording about 27°C. Investigators found evidence of earlier embankment movement, but currently no evidence that a significant embankment slip happened before the accident. These are investigative observations, not a confirmed cause. RAIB remains formally investigating and will publish its conclusions later.

Recovery work

RAIB released the site to Network Rail on 15 August. Network Rail’s 20 August update said the first overturned carriage was being lifted. Recovery involves lifting all three derailed carriages, removing the five undamaged carriages, replacing damaged track and ballast, reinstating the embankment and signalling, and then testing the railway before reopening.

The emergency response was substantial. South East Coast Ambulance Service says it deployed more than 50 staff to the scene, supported by more than 20 colleagues in its control rooms. Its official statement does not say that more than 20 ambulances attended, as an earlier version of this report incorrectly stated.

If you were affected

Anyone who was on board, witnessed the derailment or has relevant information can contact British Transport Police. Passengers affected by cancellations should keep tickets and receipts and use Southern’s compensation process where eligible.

Lewes derailment: FAQs