Courageous Train Staff Member Suffers Critical Injuries During Multiple Stabbing Attack on High-Speed Service
A courageous train employee who intervened to save travelers during a multiple stabbing incident on a express train has suffered life-threatening injuries, police stated on Sunday.
Details of the Terrifying Incident
CCTV video reportedly shows the staff member attempting to halt the attacker as the train traveled between a city and Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. Bystanders recounted a terrifying 14-minute period after the train left Peterborough, with bloodied victims running through compartments.
The individual, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, is in custody for interrogation. Police declared a significant incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Crisis Reaction and Aftermath
The incident on Saturday night led to 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unplanned stop at the station in Huntingdon. Five individuals have since been released from medical care.
A witness filmed the suspect brandishing a big knife and being shot with a stun device as he confronted police on the platform. He was reportedly heard shouting, "Kill me, end my life."
“This awful event has created broad consequences. We are thinking of the victims and their families – especially the courageous employee of train personnel whose family are being assisted by specialist personnel,” stated a senior law enforcement official.
Labor Response and Appeals for Action
Rail unions were swift to praise employees and call for increased action. One union official stated he would be “seeking urgent meetings with authorities, train companies and law enforcement to ensure that we have the strongest possible support, tools and robust protocols in place”.
Another union leader encouraged the rail company and authorities “to move quickly to examine safety, to support the affected employees, and to make sure that no incident like this happens again”.
Driver Praised for Rapid Thinking
The operator who halted the service at Huntingdon was reported as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been commended by union officials for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“He didn’t stop the train in the center of two stops where it’s obviously difficult for the first responders to reach, but he continued traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was almost already there,” explained a association representative.
Further Details
Police said they got the first distress reports at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One witness recounted at first thinking if the situation was a holiday joke, but quickly realized from individuals' faces that it was serious.
Authorities have stated there is no evidence to indicate the incident was a terrorist attack and have requested the public to come forward with any further information.
Train operations on the impacted route are anticipated to have delays until Monday, with travelers advised to postpone their journeys where possible.
Individuals with details that could assist the investigation are encouraged to contact police by sending a message a specific number with a reference code.
