Derailed train carriages moved as passengers await return of belongings

Several more carriages from a train that derailed near Lewes are being removed from the tracks as recovery crews work to return passengers’ belongings.

The Southern service, which was travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne, derailed near Lewes on 13 August. Around 150 passengers were on board, with 30 people injured, including two who suffered serious injuries.

A preliminary investigation by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) identified a defect in the track at the point where the train left the rails.

The recovery operation has involved specialist cranes and heavy machinery, with the carriages being moved to Cooksbridge station while investigators continue their work.

Network Rail said two of the four carriages at the site were lifted and transported on Thursday, with the remaining two scheduled to be moved on Friday.

British Transport Police officers are searching the carriages for personal items left behind during the evacuation. Southern said a number of belongings had already been collected and couriered back to passengers.

A Southern spokesperson said the company understood how disruptive the incident had been and thanked passengers for their patience.

Investigators are continuing to examine several possible factors behind the derailment. Their work includes looking at how the track was inspected and maintained, the condition of the railway embankment and whether high temperatures could have contributed to the incident.

The recovery operation has required temporary foundations and working platforms to be constructed to support the specialist equipment needed to remove the train.

Network Rail and Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) said extensive work had been carried out to move the damaged train and assess the condition of the track and embankment before repairs could begin.

Once the work is complete, the railway will undergo a series of inspections and safety tests.

The line between Haywards Heath and Lewes is currently expected to reopen on 1 September, although the date remains dependent on the completion of repairs and safety checks.