NewsTrain crashesLIVEUpdated 3 mins agoImages show a carriage on its side following a train derailment in the Lewes area of East Sussex which has forced the closure of lines passing through the stationThe train pictured on its side in Lewes(Image: NoHoldenback/Instagram)A passenger train has derailed in East Sussex with emergency services at the scene.Images show a carriage on its side following the crash in the Lewes area which has forced the closure of lines through the station. Southern Railway has warned of major delays and cancellations to trains until 10pm tonight.Around 40 passengers are believed to be trapped inside after three carriages flipped onto their side, while others are reported to have escaped the wreckage by climbing onto the roof.Other carriages remain upright, on the track, with emergency responder vehicles nearby.British Transport Police said: "Officers are currently on scene close to Lewes railway station following reports of a derailed train at 3.54pm today. We're responding alongside paramedics and the fire service and will provide more information as soon as we can."‌View PostView PostView PostView PostView PostToday17:41 BSTMP says derailment appears 'very serious'Local MP James MacCleary says situation appears "very serious".He wrote on X: "I’m aware of reports of a train crash in the Lewes area this afternoon. This looks to be a very serious incident, I’m in touch with the authorities and will share more information when I have it. My thoughts are with everyone involved."Emergency services at sceneToday17:36 BSTAmbulance service says 'specialist teams' sent to derailmentSouth East Coast Ambulance Service says it has sent specialist teams to deal with the incident.Its statement says: "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 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."Today17:32 BSTMore than 40 people believed to be trapped in trainMore than 40 people are believed to be tapped in the train.Three carriages have overturned and emergency services are giving first aid.Today17:31 BSTFootage shows emergency services at sceneFootage shows a major emergency service response following the derailment near Lewes.There is a patch of undergrowth running from the rail line to a gravel road and helicopters can also be seen having landed at the scene.Content cannot be displayed without consentToday17:25 BSTSouthern Rail says no trains running between Brighton and LewesSouthern Rail says it is "working out" impact to network following the derailment.It states: "A train has derailed in the area between Haywards Heath and Lewes. Emergency services are making their way to the scene and we are working out the impact this will have on our network."And an update read: "At this time, no trains can run between; - Brighton and Lewes - Haywards Heath and Lewes - Seaford/Eastbourne and Lewes You should delay your journey in this area until later on today, or use an alternative route to travel."Content cannot be displayed without consentToday17:22 BSTPeople pictured on top of derailed train with no reports yet of injuriesPeople can be seen on top of a carriage which is on its side having come off the track near Lewes.Emergency services are at the scene with no reports yet of the cause or injuries.Content cannot be displayed without consentToday17:16 BST'Major disruption' for rail travel after derailmentTravellers have been by warned by National Rail of "major disruption" this evening.It said: "No trains can run through Lewes until further notice. You will need to use an alternative route to reach your destination. It is strongly recommended that you travel later on today, where possible."If you are already travelling or must travel you should allow at least an additional 60 minutes to complete your journey today."A carriage on its side(Image: NoHoldenback/Instagram)Today17:14 BSTPeople told to avoid area after Lewes derailmentA statement from East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to avoid the area after a derailment near Lewes.It reads: "East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service have been called to an incident near Lewes train station. Other emergencies services have also been alerted."Please avoid the area. We can confirm we were called at 3.55pm to reports that a train had derailed just outside Lewes. We are working with other emergency services at the scene."Today17:11 BSTImage shows people on top of train following derailmentAn image show a carriage on its side following the crash in the Lewes area which has forced the closure of lines through the station.People can be seen on top of the train with emergency services working at the scene.Southern Railway has warned of major delays and cancellations to trains until 10pm tonight.Content cannot be displayed without consentToday17:11 BSTPolice and paramedics at scene after derailmentBritish Transport Police said: "Officers are currently on scene close to Lewes railway station following reports of a derailed train at 3.54pm today. We're responding alongside paramedics and the fire service and will provide more information as soon as we can."‌