Heroic Train Staff Member Receives Severe Wounds During Multiple Stabbing Attack on High-Speed Train
A valiant train employee who stepped in to save passengers during a mass stabbing incident on a express train has sustained critical wounds, police confirmed on Sunday.
Particulars of the Terrifying Event
CCTV video reportedly depicts the staff member attempting to halt the assailant as the train traveled between a city and another station in the county. Bystanders recounted a terrifying 14-minute period after the train left Peterborough, with bloodied passengers running through compartments.
The individual, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in custody for questioning. Authorities announced a major event on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Emergency Response and Consequences
The incident on the weekend led to 11 people being cared for in hospital after the train made an unplanned stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Several people have since been discharged from medical care.
A witness filmed the suspect brandishing a large knife and being shot with a stun device as he confronted police on the station. He was reportedly heard yelling, "Kill me, kill me."
“This awful event has created broad consequences. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – especially the courageous employee of train personnel whose family are being assisted by specialist officers,” said a senior police official.
Labor Reaction and Calls for Measures
Train unions were swift to praise employees and call for more action. A labor leader said he would be “requesting immediate meetings with authorities, train companies and police to ensure that we have the best possible support, tools and robust protocols in operation”.
A different union representative encouraged the train operator and authorities “to move swiftly to examine safety, to support the impacted workers, and to make sure that no incident like this occurs again”.
Driver Praised for Quick Thinking
The train driver who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being “very shaken” but “well”, and has been praised by union representatives for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“The driver did not stop the train in the middle of two stations where it’s clearly difficult for the emergency services to reach, but he continued going until he got to Huntingdon, where the assistance was almost waiting,” stated a union official.
Further Details
Police said they got the initial distress calls at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One observer recounted initially thinking if the situation was a holiday joke, but quickly realized from individuals' faces that it was serious.
Authorities have confirmed there is no evidence to suggest the event was a terrorist incident and have asked the public to come forward with any further information.
Train operations on the affected route are anticipated to experience delays until Monday, with passengers recommended to postpone their journeys where possible.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation are encouraged to contact authorities by sending a message a specific number with a reference code.
