Heroic Rail Staff Member Endures Critical Injuries During Multiple Stabbing Incident on High-Speed Train
A courageous train staff member who intervened to save travelers during a mass stabbing incident on a express train has suffered life-threatening wounds, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
Details of the Frightening Event
Surveillance video allegedly shows the employee attempting to stop the attacker as the train traveled between Peterborough and another station in the county. Witnesses described a terrifying 14-minute duration after the train left Peterborough, with bloodied passengers fleeing through carriages.
The suspect, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, is in custody for interrogation. Police declared a major event on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
The incident on the weekend resulted in 11 people being cared for in hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Five people have since been discharged from hospital.
A bystander recorded the suspect brandishing a big knife and being shot with a stun device as he confronted police on the station. He was allegedly heard shouting, "Kill me, end my life."
“This was a horrific attack that has had a wide impact. We are thinking of the victims and their families – especially the brave member of train personnel whose family are being assisted by trained officers,” said a high-ranking law enforcement official.
Union Reaction and Appeals for Measures
Train unions were quick to praise staff and demand more measures. A labor leader said he would be “seeking immediate meetings with authorities, train companies and police to ensure that we have the strongest available support, resources and robust procedures in place”.
Another association leader encouraged the train operator and authorities “to move swiftly to review safety, to help the impacted employees, and to ensure that no incident like this occurs again”.
Driver Commended for Quick Thinking
The operator who halted the train at Huntingdon was described as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been commended by association representatives for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“The driver didn’t halt the service in the middle of two stations where it’s obviously difficult for the emergency services to reach, but he continued traveling until he got to Huntingdon, where the response was almost already there,” explained a association official.
Additional Information
Authorities said they got the initial emergency calls at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One observer described at first wondering if the situation was a holiday joke, but soon understood from individuals' faces that it was serious.
Police have stated there is nothing to indicate the incident was a terror-related incident and have requested the public to come forward with any additional details.
Rail services on the impacted route are expected to experience delays until Monday, with passengers advised to postpone their travel where possible.
Individuals with information that could assist the investigation are asked to contact police by texting a specific number with a reference code.