Courageous Rail Employee Suffers Life-Threatening Wounds During Multiple Stabbing Incident on High-Speed Service
A brave train employee who stepped in to protect travelers during a multiple knife incident on a express train has sustained critical wounds, police confirmed on Sunday.
Particulars of the Terrifying Event
CCTV footage allegedly depicts the staff member trying to stop the attacker as the train traveled between Peterborough and Huntingdon in the county. Witnesses recounted a frightening 14-minute period after the train left Peterborough, with injured victims fleeing through carriages.
The suspect, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, remains in detention for questioning. Police announced a significant incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Emergency Reaction and Aftermath
The incident on Saturday night resulted in 11 people being cared for in medical facilities after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Five people have now been released from medical care.
A bystander recorded the individual brandishing a big knife and being subdued with a Taser as he confronted police on the station. He was reportedly heard yelling, "Kill me, kill me."
“This terrible incident has affected many people. We are thinking of the victims and their families – especially the brave employee of rail staff whose family are being supported by trained personnel,” stated a high-ranking law enforcement officer.
Labor Response and Appeals for Measures
Train unions were quick to commend staff and call for more action. A labor official stated he would be “seeking urgent meetings with authorities, rail employers and law enforcement to ensure that we have the strongest available assistance, resources and effective procedures in place”.
A different association leader encouraged the train operator and authorities “to act swiftly to review safety, to help the affected workers, and to make sure nothing like this happens again”.
Driver Commended for Rapid Thinking
The train driver who halted the train at Huntingdon was described as being “very shaken” but “good”, and has been praised by union representatives for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“He didn’t halt the train in the middle of two stops where it’s obviously challenging for the first responders to access, but he carried on traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much waiting,” stated a union official.
Additional Details
Police said they received the first distress reports at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One witness recounted initially wondering if the situation was a Halloween joke, but quickly realized from people's faces that it was real.
Police have confirmed there is no evidence to suggest the incident was a terrorist attack and have asked the community to provide with any further information.
Train operations on the impacted line are expected to experience disruption until the following day, with travelers advised to postpone their travel where possible.
Individuals with details that could help the investigation are encouraged to reach police by sending a message a designated number with a reference code.