Girl, 6, Danced Seconds Before Train Derailed

A train traveling through East Sussex derailed this afternoon, trapping a father and his young daughter. The incident occurred between Haywards Heath and Lewes, leading to significant disruption on all lines through Lewes station until 22:00 on August 13, 2026. Footage captured at the scene showed at least three train carriages lying on their side.

One passenger, Rob Bradley, was with his six-year-old daughter, Mabel, in the fourth carriage when the derailment happened. He reported that just 30 seconds prior, Mabel had been dancing between their carriage and the next. The train experienced a sudden vertical jolt, followed by the activation of emergency brakes, causing passengers to be thrown forward as the train skidded.

Mr. Bradley described the aftermath as chaotic, with smoke and dust entering their carriage from the open back of the train, revealing the fifth carriage had overturned. He witnessed individuals with head injuries, blood, and cuts. Hundreds of police, fire, and ambulance crews, alongside air ambulances, responded to provide support and manage the scene. Passengers were trapped for over an hour in hot conditions before emergency services arrived.