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Lewes train derailment: Investigators reveal track ‘irregularity’

Published 17:58 19 Aug 2026 BST

Updated 17:40 19 Aug 2026 BST

Christian Buschardt
Lewes train derailment: Investigators reveal track ‘irregularity’

Homenews

Investigation on last week's derailment in East Sussex reveal new findings

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) reported faults in tracks prior to the arrival of the train where the accident took place.

The RAIB says that the track ‘geometrical irregularity” could be spotted on CCTV moments before the derailment.

The train contained 150 people on board when the accident took place.

Three carriages were toppled during the derailment, trapping passengers inside them.

30 passengers were reported to be injured, 20 of which were taken to the hospital, with some being ‘seriously’ injured. 

The British Transport Police report that the more severe injuries were not deemed to be life-threatening.

RAIB also states that several passengers have since been calling in to report "rough riding" in the same area where the accident occured.

Executives from the Greater Thameslink Railway and Network Rail came together in a joint-statement. 

"We will carefully consider any recommendations arising from the investigation and work across the industry to implement them.”

They added having a “shared goal of making an already safe railway even safer for our customers, colleagues and the communities we serve."

The RAIB’s ongoing investigation will consider factors including "the effectiveness of any hot weather mitigation and the condition of the train, track and embankment.”

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