Derailment at Lewes
Investigators from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) say they have found an “irregularity” in the tracks to the north of Lewes station where three carriages were de-railed and tumbled down an embankment on 13 August. Two passengers were seriously injured, while 18 others were treated in hospital.
The extreme heat and drought conditions are being reckoned as potential factors, since the clay embankment and the material underneath it are sensitive to changes in moisture content. The air temperature shortly before the crash was recorded as 33C (91.4F).
However, regular passengers on the line between Lewes and Haywards Heath have told press reporters that this stretch of track was well known for a long time before the accident for its uneven surface, which used to cause bumping and jostling of reading matter or coffee cups as trains passed over.
Repair work is on-going. It is hoped to reopen the line from next Tuesday 1 September.
Over on the Southeastern train line to London, major engineering work required between Tonbridge and Wadhurst has been scheduled for the autumn half term week and weekends at either end – Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November (inclusive). Rail replacement buses will operate between Tonbridge and Battle throughout this period.
Passengers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
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