The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) is continuing its investigation into the Lewes train derailment, focusing on factors related to hot weather. This follows an initial report which stated that "a track geometry irregularity existed on the immediate approach to the point of derailment, prior to the accident occurring."
The RAIB's final report will determine if the derailment was impacted by hot weather. The UK is experiencing hotter summers and heatwaves, which are known to affect railway operations.
An expert panel, including Peter Dearman FREng and John Lawrence, has discussed the impact of extreme heat on rail networks, risks to the UK train network, and potential adaptation strategies from other countries.