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Derailed carriages are swept for passengers' bags

Catherine EvansSouth East
News imageGILES HAYE A crane carrying one of the derailed carriages as a small group of members of the public and workers in hi vis jackets and hard hats watch. A few vans and vehicles are parked to the sides and there are trees and housing nearby.GILES HAYE
A recovery operation is under way after a train left the tracks last Thursday

More carriages from a train that derailed near Lewes have been lifted off the tracks and searched as passengers wait to be reunited with their belongings.

A recovery operation is ongoing after the Southern 14:24 BST service from London Victoria to Eastbourne came off the tracks on 13 August, with 150 people on board.

Thirty people were injured, two seriously. A preliminary report by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) found a defect in the track where the train derailed.

British Transport Police are "sweeping the carriages for personal possessions as soon as they are safe to enter", said a spokesperson for Southern.

News imageThe scene at the derailment site, with the overturned carriages and a series of cranes and workmen near and on the tracks
An investigation is ongoing and the carriages are being taken to Cooksbridge station

Network Rail said two out of four carriages at the site were lifted and moved on Thursday, with two others to be moved on Friday.

Investigators are still examining how the track was inspected and maintained, the condition of the embankment and whether hot weather may have played a role.

News imageGILES HAYE A close-up of the carriage being lifted by a crane onto a yellow haulage vehicleGILES HAYE
Passengers left possessions in their carriages as they were evacuated

The spokesperson for Southern said: "As part of our major recovery operation, we're doing everything we can to reunite passengers with their belongings following the derailment on Thursday 13 August.

"The British Transport Police are sweeping the carriages for personal possessions as soon as they are safe to enter and we have already couriered many items directly to customers. We understand how disruptive this is and are grateful for people's patience."

The line between Haywards Heath and Lewes is expected to reopen on 1 September.

Network Rail and Greater Thameslink Railway (GTR) said a complex programme of work had taken place to move the train and assess damage to the track and embankment so repairs could begin.

Temporary foundations and platforms for heavy machinery were built and specialist cranes brought in.

Rigorous tests and inspections are planned before the line reopens.

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