Greater Thameslink Railway interim CEO John Whitehurst says the root cause of last night’s derailment near Lewes will be the subject of an ‘open investigation’.
Twenty people were injured in the crash, two of them seriously, when the three trailing cars of a Southern train from London to Eastbourne became derailed and overturned in a lineside field.
The track beyond the train was distorted, and the accident occurred on the hottest day of the year, when a temperature of 38.1C was recorded at Kew Gardens.
It is possible that the track had become buckled by the heat, but it is also possible that it was damaged by the derailed vehicles, and inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch have been on the scene since last night.
The evidence of the driver will also be considered, and data from the ‘black box’ on board the train will be analysed.
The line remains blocked today, and Southern is running rail replacement services between Haywards Heath and Lewes.
Network Rail Sussex route director Lucy McAuliffe said: ‘Firstly I am shocked and saddened by what’s happened today. My immediate thoughts and that of our teams are with the injured, their family and friends and with all those who have been caught up and affected by this incident.
‘Our teams are working closely with industry partners, response teams and the emergency services to ensure everyone receives the care and support they need. That is our absolute priority right now.
‘The railway between Lewes and Haywards Heath is closed, and is likely to remain closed while the emergency response continues and specialist teams carry out the complex task of assessing damage to the train and infrastructure.
‘I understand that people will have lots of questions about what has happened today. I’d like to reassure everyone that we are working closely with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, who are on site to establish exactly what's happened. At the moment, it would be inappropriate to comment as to the cause of this incident, but more information will be provided as soon as we can.’
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