Brave Rail Staff Member Endures Life-Threatening Injuries Amid Multiple Stabbing Attack on High-Speed Train
A brave train employee who intervened to save travelers during a multiple knife attack on a express train has sustained life-threatening injuries, police stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Frightening Event
CCTV footage allegedly depicts the employee attempting to stop the attacker as the train journeyed between Peterborough and another station in the county. Bystanders described a terrifying 14-minute period after the train departed Peterborough, with bloodied victims running through compartments.
The individual, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in custody for questioning. Police announced a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Crisis Response and Aftermath
The event on Saturday night resulted in 11 people being treated in medical facilities after the train made an unscheduled stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Five people have since been released from medical care.
A witness recorded the individual brandishing a large knife and being shot with a stun device as he faced officers on the platform. He was reportedly heard shouting, "Kill me, kill me."
“This awful event has created broad consequences. Our sympathies go out to the injured and their loved ones – particularly the courageous employee of rail staff whose family are being assisted by specialist officers,” said a high-ranking police officer.
Union Reaction and Appeals for Measures
Train unions were swift to praise employees and call for increased action. One labor leader said he would be “seeking immediate meetings with authorities, train companies and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the strongest available support, tools and effective protocols in operation”.
A different association representative encouraged the rail company and government “to act quickly to review safety, to support the affected employees, and to make sure that no incident like this occurs again”.
Operator Praised for Quick Action
The operator who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being “very shaken” but “good”, and has been commended by association officials for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“The driver did not stop the train in the middle of two stations where it’s obviously difficult for the first responders to reach, but he carried on traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the response was almost waiting,” explained a union representative.
Additional Information
Police stated they got the initial emergency reports at 7:39 pm, and the train was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One witness described initially thinking if the situation was a Halloween prank, but quickly realized from individuals' faces that it was real.
Police have confirmed there is no evidence to suggest the event was a terrorist attack and have requested the public to provide with any further information.
Rail services on the impacted route are expected to experience delays until the following day, with travelers advised to postpone their travel where feasible.
Anyone with information that could assist the inquiry are asked to reach authorities by texting a designated number with a reference code.