A Greater Anglia train derailed on Friday south of Wickford railway station in Essex, British Transport Police said - and this follows a crash on Thursday near Lewes, East Sussex16:40, 14 Aug 2026Investigators are now probing two train derailments in 24 hours..‌Safety experts believe the extreme heat could be warping rails on the network after a second train derailed. The earth may also have split, which could have caused the track to give way in the first accident in Lewes on Thursday.‌Another train came off the tracks near Wickford in Essex today, less than 24 hours later. There were no reports of injuries in the second incident. But services were severely disrupted, as an investigation into the cause of the incident got underway.‌A spokesperson said: “Officers are 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. We’re responding alongside paramedics and the fire service. There are currently no reported injuries."The two people seriously injured when the Southern Rail train derailed near Lewes are not in life-threatening condition, police said.‌A major incident was declared after three carriages derailed onto their side, trapping passengers on board the Southern train near Lewes on Thursday afternoon.Around 150 people were on board the service from London Victoria to Eastbourne, which was evacuated.‌One regular commuter who travelled on the same service on Wednesday said passengers were concerned for their safety due to the extreme movement of the carriages.She told the Mirror: “I was on the exact same service yesterday on the way back from London. Everyone was commenting on how extremely the train was lurching from side to side. I worried a lot in this extremely hot weather about derailments because the lines are constantly melting. It’s terrible."Mercifully, the section of track where it happened is on the final approach into Lewes so they will have been going slowly. I have no doubt there would have been fatalities had it happened further up the line."‌The mum-of-one, a regular commuter who lives in Lewes, said her daughter couldn't fill in a crossword book because of the train's violent movement."It was nuts; we were thrown violently from side to side in our seats. I bought a crossword book for my daughter and the movement was so violent she couldn’t hold the pen straight to write. It was scary for the passengers on board especially with children.”‌A passenger on the derailed Lewes train said the experience was terrifying and she said she thought she was going to die.Rachel Heath said: "The train just started jostling, kind of bumping up and down, and then jostling from side to side like a seesaw, and everyone was screaming. I just remember looking around and seeing so much panic and fear in so many people's eyes."Ms Heath added: "I just remember thinking to myself that I was going to die. There was about two seconds where I genuinely thought this was it, and so I went on my phone, immediately called my partner as the train was still flipping, and was just kind of in my mind as I made that call - calling to say goodbye."‌Others writing on local online Lewes' groups claimed the trains had been travelling more slowly on the route in recent extreme weather.One post on social media said passengers on the line heard a bang on an earlier train shortly before the derailment.‌"When I came into Lewes about 3pm, the train went bang as we came along the river by Landport," they added."I reported it to the onboard service staff, who also heard it and reported it to the driver. Another passenger said there had been 'wobbling and screeching on the tracks."John Whitehurst, chief executive of Greater Thameslink Railway, stressed such incidents are incredibly rare, adding that what happened “was a very serious incident and I’m deeply saddened by it”.‌Mr Whitehurst told BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme: “A full investigation is now under way with the Rail Accident Investigation Branch. At this stage we’re working with them to ensure we can establish the cause but also support their investigation fully.“The railway through that area is closed, we have specialist teams on site assessing the train and the infrastructure. I’m really sorry for the disruption that’s caused.”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.”‌Assist Chief Constable Ian Drummond-Smith of British Transport Police (BTP) 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."The force is appealing for anyone on board the derailed train who has not already spoken to police to come forward. Crash scene investigators will work through the night after the Lewes train derailment was declared a major incident.Dozens of emergency vehicles are still parked in the fields around the crash site. Industrial floodlights were delivered for another night and day of investigation.‌East Sussex: Aerial views show major train derailment near LewesPolice are still on scene while inspectors from the Rail Accident Investigation Branch try to find out the cause of the crash. Police thanked locals for their response to the crash. Public-spirited volunteers opened a community centre where the walking wounded were assessed and transport was arranged to get them home. They came out to assist emergency services and provide support and refreshments to passengers. BTP detectives are appealing for anyone who was on board the derailed train and have not already spoken to police to come forward.Mr Drummond-Smith added: “The response demonstrated the very best of our communities and emergency services. Local Lewes residents and business owners came out in their droves to support affected passengers, providing water and refreshments in extremely hot conditions. “My thanks and appreciation go to them as well as our officers and emergency service colleagues whose professionalism ensured those on board were brought to safety in incredibly challenging circumstances. “The public can expect to see a continued police presence at the scene over the coming days as RAIB’s investigation to identify the cause of the derailment continues.”Article continues belowThe Mirror approached the BTP for comment on claims of violent movement on a train the day before the accident. Following the train evacuation, many left the area to take alternative routes home.These people are urged to contact BTP by calling 0800 40 50 40 or texting 61016, quoting reference 521 of 13 August.