What happened

The incident involved a Southern Railway train travelling from London Victoria to Eastbourne. British Transport Police said officers were called following reports at around 3.44pm on Thursday, and that three carriages derailed onto their side between Haywards Heath and Lewes, close to Lewes railway station. A number of people were initially trapped before being brought to safety.

Casualties and evacuation

South East Coast Ambulance Service said approximately 150 people were on board at the time. Two patients sustained serious injuries and a further nine were less seriously hurt. Patients were assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals, while passengers who did not need hospital treatment were taken to a nearby community centre and supported by partner agencies.

Emergency response

A major incident was declared by British Transport Police, with a significant multi-agency response ongoing. East Sussex Fire and Rescue said it had 10 fire engines, a command support unit, technical rescue units and officers at the scene helping reach passengers. Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith said all passengers had been safely evacuated and that the force was supporting the Rail Accident Investigation Branch to establish exactly what happened. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was “deeply concerned”.

Travel disruption

National Rail warned of major disruption, with no trains able to run through Lewes until further notice. Southern Rail advised passengers not to travel on affected routes, with cancellations between Brighton, Lewes and Eastbourne or Seaford and significant delays expected to continue through the evening. Travellers heading to Gatwick Airport were told to allow at least an extra 150 minutes for their journey.

Investigation

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch has deployed a team to Lewes to begin gathering evidence into how the train came off the track. A full investigation will examine the cause of the derailment, which one passenger described as “completely terrifying” as carriages tipped over.

Source: The Independent and Sky News, reporting on the British Transport Police major incident. Read the original coverage here.

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What happened

Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service was called at 2.30pm on Thursday to reports of a large plume of smoke on Tothall Lane in Salford Priors, a village close to Stratford-upon-Avon. On arrival, crews discovered a wildfire that was spreading rapidly to nearby out-buildings. The service confirmed that 10 appliances are now in attendance and that the incident has been declared a major incident.

What firefighters are doing

Fire crews remain at the scene working to bring the blaze under control, supported by West Midlands Ambulance Service and Warwickshire Police. A large emergency presence is visible across the area, and the control room has asked the public to contact them only in a genuine emergency as it copes with a high volume of calls.

Advice to residents

Residents living near the fire have been urged to close all doors and windows and to stay away from the area while crews work. The fire service said it is “imperative that residents take all steps to reduce any fire risk” and pointed people to its social media channels for fire and water safety advice. Drivers have been told to take extra care in areas of dense smoke and not to travel to the scene to watch.

Wider pressure on the West Midlands

The Warwickshire fire comes as neighbouring services face extreme demand. West Midlands Fire Service said it was dealing with “extreme levels of demand” because of a separate fire in the Stourbridge area, where drone footage showed flames threatening homes and smoke billowing across the town. A rescue centre has been opened at Stourbridge town hall for residents forced to flee.

Fire officers warned that hot, dry conditions are increasing the risk of outdoor fires across the region and urged the public to do whatever they can to stay safe and minimise the danger.

Source: ITV News Central and The Independent, reporting on the Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Service major incident. Read the original coverage here.

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