Two seriously injured after passenger train derails in southern England

Two people were seriously injured after a passenger train derailed in East Sussex, southern England, on August 13, prompting a major emergency response and the closure of several rail routes.

The train, operated by Southern, came off the tracks between Haywards Heath and Lewes shortly before 4 p.m., according to authorities, The Guardian reports. 

South East Coast Ambulance Service said two people were taken to major trauma centres with severe injuries. British Transport Police said a further nine people sustained less serious injuries and were treated at the scene, with some taken to local hospitals.

All passengers were safely evacuated from the train, Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond said, adding that a major incident had been declared.

Aerial images showed three of the train's eight carriages lying on their sides, while photographs from the scene showed passengers on top of the overturned carriages and others in the surrounding heathland as emergency crews worked at the site.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) has launched an investigation into the cause of the derailment.

Emergency services urged people to avoid the area, while rail passengers were advised to allow up to 60 additional minutes for journeys as several routes remained closed.

By Sabina Mammadli