Man dies after being hit by train on Brighton to London line

A man has died after being hit by a Brighton to London train this morning (Wednesday 3 December).

He was declared dead at the scene at Balcombe Station having been hit by the Southern train just after 10am.

Southern said: “The 09.49 Brighton to Victoria train struck the person just after 10am.

“The line was closed as a result from 10am until just after midday.

“Trains were being diverted via the Arun Valley and replacement buses were running between Haywards Heath and Brighton/Lewes.

“Delays of up to 90 minutes with short-notice alterations and cancellations were being experienced while the line was closed.

“We’re now running again and in service recovery mode.

“There will be residual delays while we get trains and train crews back into position and as long as nothing else happens, we hope to be running normally by the evening peak.”

The British Transport Police (BTP), Sussex Police and South East Coast Ambulance Service all attended the scene.

The BTP said that the man’s death was not being treated as suspicious and the coroner would be informed.