Courageous Rail Staff Member Receives Severe Injuries During Mass Knife Attack on High-Speed Train
A brave train employee who stepped in to protect passengers during a multiple stabbing incident on a express train has suffered life-threatening wounds, police stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Frightening Event
Surveillance footage allegedly depicts the employee trying to stop the assailant as the train journeyed between a city and another station in the county. Witnesses described a frightening 14-minute period after the train departed Peterborough, with injured victims fleeing through carriages.
The individual, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, remains in custody for interrogation. Police announced a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Crisis Reaction and Aftermath
The event on Saturday night resulted in 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Five individuals have now been released from medical care.
A bystander recorded the suspect waving a large knife and being shot with a stun device as he faced police on the station. He was allegedly heard yelling, "Kill me, kill me."
“This awful event has created broad consequences. We are thinking of the victims and their families – especially the brave member of rail staff whose relatives are being assisted by trained officers,” said a high-ranking police officer.
Union Reaction and Calls for Action
Rail associations were quick to praise staff and demand increased action. A labor official said he would be “requesting immediate discussions with government, rail employers and law enforcement to ensure that we have the strongest available assistance, tools and effective protocols in operation”.
Another union representative encouraged the rail company and government “to move quickly to examine security, to help the impacted employees, and to make sure nothing like this happens again”.
Driver Commended for Rapid Thinking
The train driver who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being “very shaken” but “good”, and has been commended by association officials for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“He did not stop the service in the middle of two stations where it’s obviously difficult for the emergency services to reach, but he carried on traveling until he got to Huntingdon, where the response was almost already there,” stated a union representative.
Further Information
Authorities said they received the first distress reports at 7:39 pm, and the train was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An witness recounted initially thinking if the situation was a Halloween prank, but soon realized from individuals' faces that it was real.
Police have stated there is nothing to indicate the event was a terrorist attack and have requested the public to come forward with any further details.
Rail services on the impacted line are anticipated to experience delays until the following day, with travelers recommended to defer their travel where feasible.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation are encouraged to reach police by texting a designated number with a case code.
