A Southern rail line has reopened following a major derailment last month.
The line between Haywards Heath and Lewes reopened on September 1 after extensive repairs were completed following the incident near Lewes on August 13.
Engineers worked around the clock to recover the train, remove damaged infrastructure, and rebuild the affected section of railway.
Jenny Saunders, customers services director for Greater Thameslink Railway, which operates Southern Railway, said: "This incident has been incredibly difficult for everyone involved and my thoughts remain with those who were injured, alongside their families, friends and all those affected.
"The closure of the railway has had a significant impact on our customers and the communities we serve.
"I want to thank passengers for the patience, resilience and understanding they have shown while this work has taken place.
"The successful reopening of the line is only possible because of an extraordinary effort from engineers and railway colleagues who have worked in challenging circumstances to restore services safely and as quickly as possible."
The recovery operation involved removing all eight carriages, repairing the embankment, and installing new track and signalling systems.
Specialist Kirow cranes were used to lift the derailed vehicles, and temporary foundations were constructed to support heavy equipment.
The site’s proximity to the River Ouse and its sensitive environmental status added to the complexity, requiring close coordination between engineering and environmental teams.
Lucy McAuliffe, Sussex Route Director for Network Rail, said: "This has been a complex and challenging recovery operation, and I’d like to thank engineers and industry colleagues for the professionalism, skill, and dedication they’ve shown in safely completing the work as quickly as possible to get customers moving again.
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"Our thoughts remain with everyone affected by the incident, including those who were hospitalised, and their loved ones.
"I’d finally like to thank the community of Landport and the wider Lewes area for their understanding and support for the teams that have been involved with the response to this incident.
"We know that works of this nature are disruptive, so thank you for bearing with us during our temporary residency in the community."
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