Derailed Lewes train: What do we know so far?

In dramatic scenes, three carriages of a passenger train tumbled off the track in Lewes, East Sussex, leaving two people with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Authorities said 18 others were taken to hospital after the incident, with less serious injuries. They were later discharged.

Investigators are looking into the derailment, which has led to dozens of cancelled services.

The train left the tracks in Lewes at around 15:44 BST on Thursday 13 August.

The incident occurred as the Eastbourne-bound Southern service approached the East Sussex town from London Victoria.

About 150 people were on the train - the 14:24 service from London Victoria to Eastbourne - when it derailed.

All the passengers were evacuated from the carriages with the help of the emergency services.

Rachel Heath, who was onboard the train, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme it felt like her carriage was "lifted into the air and then came back down" before falling on its side.

She said fellow passengers were trying to open emergency doors before "the train operators came and helped us get out".

Authorities have not confirmed what caused the derailment and investigations are ongoing.

A Rail Accident Investigation Branch team is examining the derailed train and railway infrastructure at the site.

They are reviewing evidence such as CCTV footage and signalling data as part of a "full, independent safety investigation".

British Transport Police asked anybody on board the derailed train who had not already spoken to police to contact their officers.

The force said it would remain at the scene to assist rail investigators.

The Office of Rail and Road also said it had sent investigators to the site.

Martin Frobisher from Network Rail said exceptionally hot and dry weather had "presented exceptional challenges to the railway".

But the executive maintained Britain's railways were "among the safest in the world" and that safety was "always our first consideration".

The derailment was followed by a separate incident in Essex on Friday, when a Greater Anglia train came off the tracks near Wickford.

Network Rail said investigations into two train derailments in two days "will look at all possible causes and factors".

All lines between Lewes and Haywards Heath are closed following the derailment, with railway officials warning disruption will continue "until further notice".

Rail replacement buses are running between Haywards Heath and Lewes, stopping at Cooksbridge and Plumpton.

Rail operator Southern said passengers attempting to travel between London Victoria and Eastbourne should go to Brighton and change there for a service to their destination.

Until investigations, assessments and repairs are complete, services will be changed and journeys may take longer than usual, according to officials.

Passengers are advised to check their journey before travelling and allow extra time.

British Transport Police praised local residents who "came out to assist emergency services and provide support and refreshments to passengers" after the incident.

Landport Community Hub opened nearby to facilitate medical care and provide shelter from heatwave temperatures.

Wendy Baker, a trustee of the centre, said the mood was "bizarre" but that "everyone was very calm, very humble, very grateful".

Lewes MP James MacCleary paid tribute to emergency services and railway staff, as well as to local residents who showed "remarkable community spirit throughout the day".

"I know many people rallied to offer support and assistance, demonstrating the very best of our community during difficult circumstances," he said.

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