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Thirty people were injured when the train derailed in East Sussex last week

Officials have issued an update on last week's train derailment horror as authorities have admitted there was a known "defect" in the area.

An eight-carriage Southern Rail service from London Victoria to Eastbourne diverted off the tracks in Lewes just before 4pm last Thursday.

The train's onboard data recorder showed it was travelling at about 65mph as it approached the location of derailment before three carriages fell onto their side.

Around 150 passengers were trapped in the train after it fell on its side, injuring 30 passengers in the process. Twenty required hospitalisation, officials confirmed.

Three air ambulances and approximately 20 other vehicles were dispatched to the wreckage.

During preliminary investigations, the Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) assessed rear-facing CCTV images obtained from train services on August 13.

Officials today confirmed their findings showed a "track geometry irregularity" on the "immediate approach to the point of derailment".

The RAIB said there was also proof of previous track maintenance in the area, while it had received several reports of “rough riding” at the derailment location from former disgruntled passengers.

Going forward, the probe into the shocking incident will consider whether the extremely hot weather conditions, combined with the track's status, embankment and its condition played a role in the horror.

Additionally, officials will assess the effectiveness of any measures taken to address potential issues driven by some of the hottest temperatures the UK has seen this summer.

Following the incident, it was revealed the very same train tracks had undergone a safety inspection, just a day before the derailment.

Southern had posted on X that engineers were examining the railway between Lewes and Haywards Heath before confirming the train had come off the rails in the area.

Thursday was the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures in Haywards Heath reaching 32C, conditions known to cause railway lines to buckle and warp.

Aerial photographs of the crash site appeared to show visible distortion in the track.

Before the derailment, eight national rail operators had already issued warnings about potential disruptions linked to warm weather.

Meanwhile, commuters were urged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described herself as "deeply concerned" by images emerging on social media.

She added: "Grateful to emergency services who are on the scene supporting those impacted."

Just a day later, another train in Essex came off the tracks during a separate incident in Wickford.

Air ambulances have been spotted near the derailment site in Wickford, although the train remained upright. No injuries were reported.