Heroic Train Employee Endures Critical Injuries Amid Mass Stabbing Incident on High-Speed Service
A brave train staff member who intervened to protect passengers during a mass knife incident on a high-speed train has sustained critical injuries, police confirmed on Sunday.
Particulars of the Terrifying Incident
CCTV video allegedly shows the staff member trying to stop the attacker as the train journeyed between Peterborough and Huntingdon in the county. Bystanders described a frightening 14-minute period after the train departed Peterborough, with injured victims fleeing through compartments.
The suspect, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in custody for questioning. Police announced a major event on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Emergency Reaction and Aftermath
The event on the weekend resulted in 11 people being cared for in hospital after the train made an unplanned stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Five people have now been released from medical care.
A witness filmed the suspect waving a large knife and being shot with a stun device as he faced officers on the station. He was reportedly heard yelling, "End my life, kill me."
“This was a horrific attack that has had a wide impact. We are thinking of the victims and their families – particularly the brave member of train personnel whose relatives are being supported by specialist officers,” stated a senior law enforcement official.
Labor Reaction and Calls for Measures
Rail unions were swift to praise employees and call for more action. A union official stated he would be “requesting immediate discussions with government, train companies and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the best possible support, tools and robust protocols in operation”.
A different union leader urged the train operator and government “to move swiftly to examine safety, to support the affected employees, and to ensure nothing like this occurs again”.
Driver Commended for Rapid Action
The train driver who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being “very shaken” but “well”, and has been commended by union officials for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“The driver did not stop the train in the middle of two stations where it’s clearly difficult for the first responders to access, but he continued traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much already there,” stated a union official.
Further Details
Police stated they received the first emergency reports at 7:39 pm, and the service was forced to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An observer described at first wondering if the event was a holiday prank, but quickly realized from individuals' faces that it was real.
Police have confirmed there is nothing to suggest the incident was a terrorist incident and have asked the community to come forward with any additional details.
Rail services on the impacted line are expected to experience disruption until Monday, with passengers recommended to defer their journeys where feasible.
Anyone with details that could assist the investigation are asked to contact police by texting a designated number with a reference code.
