Home / Disasters and Accidents / 30 Injured as Heat Causes Train Derailment
30 Injured as Heat Causes Train Derailment
19 Aug
Summary
- A train derailed near Lewes on the hottest day of the year.
- Investigators found a potential heat-buckled track geometry irregularity.
- The incident resulted in 30 passengers sustaining injuries.
On August 13, 2026, during the UK's fifth heatwave, a train derailed near Lewes, East Sussex, resulting in 30 passenger injuries. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) identified a "track geometry irregularity" on the approach to the derailment site. CCTV footage indicated the track may have buckled due to sustained hot and dry weather, with ambient temperatures around 27C.
The incident caused significant damage to the train and railway infrastructure. The RAIB is investigating various factors, including weather conditions, track status, embankment stability, and mitigation measures for hot weather. The clay embankment near the site is known to be sensitive to moisture changes.
Network Rail and GTR, operator of Southern, have apologized for the incident and acknowledged its impact. The railway line between Lewes and Haywards Heath remains closed until at least August 26, 2026, to allow for the recovery of the train and preservation of evidence. This derailment was the second such incident in less than 24 hours during the heatwave.
