Response to RAIB investigation update

In a joint statement in response to this afternoon's investigation update by RAIB, Lucy McAuliffe, Route Director Sussex, Network Rail, and John Whitehurst, Chief Executive Officer at GTR, which operates Southern, said:

“Following the publication of the Rail Accident Investigation Branch’s (RAIB) investigation update, we remain fully committed to supporting the continuing investigation and acting on any lessons that emerge from its findings.

“We are very sorry that this happened on our railway. Our thoughts remain with everyone affected, especially those who were injured and the family and friends of those on board the train. We also recognise the ongoing impact the incident has had on customers, local communities and railway colleagues.

“Safety is and will always remain our highest priority. While Britain's railway is one of the safest in the world, when incidents like this occur it is essential that we understand exactly what happened and identify any lessons that can be learned. We will carefully consider any recommendations arising from the investigation and work across the industry to implement them, with the shared goal of making an already safe railway even safer for our customers, colleagues and the communities we serve.

“Given the complexity of the issues being examined, it is important that the independent investigation is allowed to reach its conclusions. We will continue to cooperate fully with the RAIB throughout this process.

“We continue to offer support to our customers and colleagues impacted by the incident. At the same time, our focus remains on keeping people moving while work continues to recover the railway. Our teams at Network Rail and Southern are working closely with industry partners to minimise disruption, provide alternative travel options and keep customers informed about the latest travel arrangements. We are grateful for our customers’ and the Lewes community’s continued patience and understanding while this complex recovery effort continues.

“We would also like to thank our railway colleagues, the emergency services, local authorities and partner organisations whose professionalism and dedication have supported both the immediate response and the ongoing recovery. We are especially grateful to the local community, whose kindness and support towards customers and staff in the immediate aftermath of the accident reflected the very best of Lewes.”

ENDS

Background information

• Britain's railway carried 1.83 billion passenger journeys between April 2025 and March 2026.
• It remains one of the safest in the world, with passenger and workforce fatality rates at around one-third of the European average between 2020 and 2024.
• Network Rail has a programme underway to protect the railway from extreme weather and climate change, supported by £2.6 billion investment in track maintenance and renewals.
• Investment includes drainage, earthworks, track and overhead power improvements, as well as monitoring and predictive technologies to identify risks earlier and enable proactive intervention.