Updated statement 13 August 9:40pm
SECAmb has now significantly scaled down its response to the major incident following the train derailment near Lewes Railway Station earlier today.
At the peak of the incident, more than 50 SECAmb staff attended the scene, including both of our Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) teams and Critical Care Paramedics, supported by more than 20 colleagues in our Emergency Operations Centre in Crawley who helped coordinate and support the ambulance response.
Our teams worked closely with emergency service and partner agency colleagues throughout the incident to assess, treat and support those affected. As previously reported, two patients sustained serious injuries and a further nine patients sustained less serious injuries.
Following further assessment of passengers, an additional seven patients were subsequently taken to hospital for treatment and further care. This means a total of 18 patients were transported to hospital, an increase on the figures provided in our earlier update.
The majority of our resources have now left the scene, with only a small number remaining to support partners as recovery activity continues.
We would like to thank all of our staff involved in the response. Their professionalism, dedication and teamwork ensured patients received timely care in what was a complex and challenging incident.
We are also grateful to our emergency services and partner agencies for their close collaboration throughout the response.
As the incident moves into the recovery phase, SECAmb will not be providing any further updates on this incident.
Updated statement 13 August 7pm:
SECAmb are continuing to respond to a major incident following a train derailment near Lewes Railway Station this afternoon.
Ambulance crews, specialist responders and colleagues from partner emergency services remain at the scene. There were approximately 150 people on board the train at the time of the incident.
At this stage, we can confirm that two patients have sustained serious injuries and a further nine patients have sustained less serious injuries.
Patients have been assessed and treated at the scene, with some transported to local hospitals for further treatment and care.
A number of passengers who did not require hospital treatment have been taken to a local community centre, where they are being supported by partner agencies.
This remains a complex and ongoing multi-agency response. Our priority continues to be providing care to those affected and ensuring the safety of everyone involved.
We would ask the public to avoid the area where possible and allow emergency services to continue their work.
Statement issued 5pm 13 August
Please attribute to a South East Coast Ambulance Service spokesperson:
South East Coast Ambulance Service is currently responding to reports of an incident near Lewes Railway Station in Sussex.
We were called shortly before 4pm today (13 August) and have a number of ambulance resources at the scene, including specialist teams, working alongside our emergency service partners.
We have no further information to share at this time but will provide updates as soon as possible.