Courageous Rail Staff Member Suffers Severe Wounds During Multiple Knife Incident on Express Service
A valiant train staff member who stepped in to protect travelers during a multiple stabbing attack on a express train has sustained life-threatening injuries, police stated on Sunday.
Details of the Frightening Event
CCTV video reportedly shows the staff member attempting to stop the attacker as the train traveled between Peterborough and Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. Witnesses recounted a terrifying 14-minute period after the train left Peterborough, with bloodied victims fleeing through carriages.
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 Consequences
The incident on the weekend led to 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unplanned stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Several people have since been discharged from hospital.
A witness filmed the suspect brandishing a big knife and being shot with a stun device as he faced officers on the station. He was reportedly heard shouting, "Kill me, kill me."
“This terrible incident has affected many people. Our sympathies go out to the injured and their loved ones – particularly the brave member of train personnel whose family are being supported by specialist officers,” stated a senior law enforcement officer.
Labor Reaction and Calls for Action
Rail unions were swift to commend employees and call for more action. A labor leader stated he would be “seeking urgent discussions with authorities, rail employers and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the strongest possible support, tools and effective procedures in place”.
Another union representative encouraged the train operator and authorities “to move quickly to examine safety, to help the affected workers, and to make sure that no incident like this occurs again”.
Driver Praised for Quick Action
The train driver who stopped the train at Huntingdon was reported as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been commended by union officials for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“He did not halt the service in the middle of two stations where it’s clearly challenging for the first responders to access, but he carried on going until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was almost waiting,” stated a association representative.
Additional Details
Authorities said they received the initial emergency reports at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An observer described at first wondering if the situation was a holiday prank, but soon understood from individuals' faces that it was serious.
Police have confirmed there is no evidence to suggest the event was a terror-related incident and have requested the public to provide with any further details.
Train services on the affected route are anticipated to have delays until Monday, with passengers recommended to defer their travel where possible.
Individuals with information that could help the investigation are asked to contact authorities by sending a message a specific number with a reference code.
