Second passenger train derails in Essex day after two injured in Lewes derailment
A Greater Anglia train has derailed near Wickford in Essex a day after two people were seriously injured in a derailment in Lewes, East Sussex.
A second train has derailed less than 24 hours after two passengers were seriously injured when a Southern Rail service came off the tracks in East Sussex.
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Just after 2pm on Thursday afternoon, a Greater Anglia train derailed on Friday near Wickford in Essex.
It is understood part of the train, reportedly the rear carriages, came off the tracks but has not overturned near an overhead walkway between Salcott Crescent and Russell Gardens.
Major disruption is expected as a result of the incident, and Greater Anglia has urged people not to travel between Shenfield and Southend Victoria until further notice as trains currently cannot run.
Routes affected include London Liverpool Street - Southend Victoria, as well as Wickford - Southminster.
Photos from the scene appear to show the train upright. There are currently no reported injuries.
Up to 45 passengers were on the train bound for London.
It comes after a major incident was declared by British Transport Police after three carriages ended up on their side, trapping passengers on board the Southern train near Lewes on Thursday afternoon.
Around 150 people had been on board the service from London Victoria to Eastbourne, which was evacuated.
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A spokesperson for BTP said on Friday: “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 (14 August).
“We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service.
“There are currently no reported injuries.”
⚠Due to a problem currently under investigation between #Shenfield and Southend Victoria all lines are blocked.
— Greater Anglia (@greateranglia) August 14, 2026
Train services running to and from these stations will be suspended. Disruption is expected until further notice.
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In a statement, National Rail said: "There is a problem currently under investigation between Southend Victoria and Wickford, meaning that all lines are blocked.
"As a result, trains running between Southend Victoria and London Liverpool Street will be cancelled.
"Major disruption is expected to continue until approximately 18:00."
Inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) have been sent to Wickford.
"RAIB has deployed a team of inspectors to the site of a passenger train derailment at Wickford, Essex to begin gathering evidence," the organisation said on social media.
'Incredibly rare'
John Whitehurst, chief executive of Greater Thameslink Railway, said on Friday derailments are “incredibly rare”, adding that what happened near Lewes “was a very serious incident and I’m deeply saddened by it”.
Asked if the railway was safe in hot weather, Mr Whitehurst said: “The railway is safe. These types of incidents are incredibly rare.
“We have control processes in place that involve inspection, temporary speed restrictions or even suspending services if that’s required.”