Wickford derailment latest: National Rail insists British trains ‘among safest in world’ after second crash in 24 hours

A Greater Anglia train has derailed near Wickford in Essex, the Independent understands.

Pictures on social media show a train that appears to have come off the tracks into the gravel but has remained upright.

It comes less than 24 hours after another train derailed in East Sussex, with one passenger saying she thought she “was going to die”.

Rachel Heath said: “I just remember thinking to myself that I was going to die. There was about two seconds where I genuinely thought this was it.”

She added: “It’s just absolutely terrifying.”

An MP has said that concerns were raised over the “bumpier” train tracks just one week before the incident, which injuring 20 people.

An investigation is now underway after the incident, which left two people with serious injuries, and a further 18 people taken to hospital.

The probe will establish the “root cause” of the incident, which saw three carriageways leave the railway between Lewes and Haywards Heath.

National Rail have warned of significant disruption to the line on Friday, with all trains cancelled between the two stations and rail replacement buses in place.

Have you witnessed the crash or have pictures from the scene? Email bryony.gooch.ind@independent.co.uk

What happens when train lines buckle and can it cause a derailment?

“Buckling” occurs when steel rails expand as they get hotter and can start to curve.

Thousands of miles of steel track make up the UK’s rail network, absorbing heat up to 20C hotter than the air temperature, said Network Rail.

It added that most of the network can operate when track temperatures reach up to 46C (roughly 30C air temperature) and rails have been recorded at temperatures as high as 51C.

As steel expands when it gets hot, rails lengthen, causing tension against their neighbouring pieces of track.

Read the full explainer here:

Holly Evans14 August 2026 15:40

National Rail says all lines blocked between Southend Victoria and Wickford

A National Rail spokesperson said it was dealing with a derailment incident in Anglia.

It said all lines were blocked between Southend Victoria and Wickford with disruption expected until at least 4.30pm.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “We are dealing with a derailment incident in Anglia, and we are working quickly to understand the situation and to provide assistance where needed.

“We will provide further information in due course.”

Holly Evans14 August 2026 15:35

BTP confirm no reported injuries

British Transport Police said officers are at the scene of the train derailment south of Wickford railway station in Essex.

There are no reported injuries.

A spokesperson said: “Officers are currently on scene just south of Wickford railway station in Essex following reports that the rear carriages of a train have derailed in an upright position at 2.12pm today.

“We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service. There are currently no reported injuries.”

Holly Evans14 August 2026 15:33

Air ambulance pictured at the scene

Holly Evans14 August 2026 15:30

Disruption expected until further notice, operator says

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: “Due to a problem currently under investigation between Shenfield and Southend Victoria, all lines are blocked.

“Train services running to and from these stations will be suspended.

“Disruption is expected until further notice.

“Please do not travel between Shenfield and Southend Victoria until further notice.”

Holly Evans14 August 2026 15:27

In pictures: Second derailment in Essex

Holly Evans14 August 2026 15:25

Greater Anglia warns customers not to travel on train route

Greater Anglia have warned customers not to travel between Shenfield and Southend Victoria until further notice.

The train operator said that tickets dated for today will be valid for tomorrow, and said services were disrupted “due to a problem under investigation”.

Holly Evans14 August 2026 15:21

Breaking: Second train derails in Essex

A Greater Anglia train has derailed near Wickford in Essex, the Independent understands.

The latest incident less than 24 hours after 20 people were injured in a similar incident at Lewes.

Holly Evans14 August 2026 15:17

Two seriously injured are not in a life-threatening condition

Two passengers seriously injured when a Southern Rail train derailed at East Sussex are not deemed to be in a life-threatening condition, police have said.

A spokesperson for BTP said: “They both remain in hospital and the 18 people who were also treated at hospital for less serious injuries have been discharged.”

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith added: “Our thoughts remain firmly with those who were injured and their loved ones. On behalf of BTP, I wish them a full and speedy recovery.”

Holly Evans14 August 2026 14:46

Train boss says railway is safe in hot weather after ‘rare’ derailment

A train boss has said that the railway is safe in hot weather after a Southern Rail service derailed in East Sussex and 20 people went to hospital.

John Whitehurst, chief executive of Greater Thameslink Railway, said derailments are “incredibly rare”, adding that what happened “was a very serious incident and I’m deeply saddened by it”.

A major incident was declared by British Transport Police (BTP) after three carriages derailed on their side, trapping passengers on board the Southern train near Lewes on Thursday afternoon.