Heroic Train Staff Member Endures Life-Threatening Wounds Amid Multiple Stabbing Incident on High-Speed Train
A valiant train employee who stepped in to save passengers during a multiple stabbing incident on a express train has sustained critical wounds, police stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Terrifying Event
CCTV video reportedly shows the staff member attempting to halt the attacker as the train journeyed between a city and Huntingdon in the county. Witnesses recounted a frightening 14-minute duration after the train departed Peterborough, with injured passengers running through carriages.
The suspect, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in custody for interrogation. Authorities declared a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Crisis Response and Consequences
The incident on Saturday night resulted in 11 people being treated in medical facilities after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several individuals have since been released from hospital.
A bystander filmed the suspect waving a big knife and being subdued with a stun device as he faced officers on the platform. He was allegedly heard shouting, "Kill me, kill me."
“This awful event has created broad consequences. We are thinking of the victims and their families – especially the courageous member of rail staff whose family are being assisted by trained officers,” said a senior police officer.
Union Response and Calls for Action
Train associations were swift to praise staff and call for increased measures. A union official stated he would be “requesting immediate discussions with government, train companies and police to ensure that we have the best possible support, tools and robust procedures in operation”.
A different association leader urged the train operator and government “to act swiftly to review security, to help the affected workers, and to ensure nothing like this occurs again”.
Operator Praised for Quick Thinking
The operator who stopped the train at Huntingdon was reported as being “deeply affected” but “good”, and has been commended by union officials for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“The driver did not halt the service in the middle of two stops where it’s clearly difficult for the emergency services to reach, but he continued traveling until he got to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much waiting,” stated a union official.
Further Information
Authorities stated they received the first distress reports at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An witness described at first thinking if the event was a Halloween prank, but soon understood from individuals' expressions that it was real.
Police have confirmed there is no evidence to indicate the incident was a terror-related incident and have requested the public to provide with any additional information.
Train services on the impacted line are anticipated to experience delays until the following day, with travelers recommended to defer their travel where feasible.
Individuals with information that could assist the investigation are encouraged to reach authorities by sending a message a specific number with a case code.