Heroic Rail Staff Member Endures Critical Injuries During Multiple Stabbing Attack on High-Speed Service
A brave train staff member who intervened to save travelers during a mass knife attack on a express train has suffered critical wounds, authorities confirmed on Sunday.
Details of the Frightening Incident
CCTV footage reportedly depicts the employee trying to halt the assailant as the train journeyed between Peterborough and another station in the county. Bystanders described a frightening 14-minute duration after the train left Peterborough, with injured victims fleeing through carriages.
The individual, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in detention for interrogation. Police declared a significant event on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Crisis Reaction and Aftermath
The event on the weekend resulted in 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several individuals have since been released from hospital.
A witness filmed the individual waving a large knife and being shot with a Taser as he confronted police on the station. He was reportedly heard shouting, "Kill me, end my life."
“This awful event has created broad consequences. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – particularly the courageous employee of train personnel whose family are being assisted by trained officers,” stated a senior law enforcement officer.
Union Response and Calls for Measures
Train associations were swift to commend staff and call for more measures. One union official stated he would be “seeking immediate discussions with government, rail employers and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the strongest available support, tools and robust protocols in operation”.
Another association representative urged the rail company and authorities “to move swiftly to examine safety, to help the impacted workers, and to make sure nothing like this occurs again”.
Operator Commended for Quick Action
The train driver who halted the train at Huntingdon was described as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been commended by union officials for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“The driver didn’t halt the train in the middle of two stations where it’s clearly difficult for the emergency services to access, but he carried on going until he got to Huntingdon, where the response was almost already there,” stated a association representative.
Additional Information
Police stated they got the initial distress reports at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An observer described initially wondering if the situation was a holiday prank, but soon realized from individuals' faces that it was serious.
Police have confirmed there is nothing to indicate the event was a terror-related incident and have requested the community to provide with any further details.
Rail operations on the affected route are expected to experience delays until the following day, with travelers recommended to defer their journeys where possible.
Anyone with details that could assist the investigation are encouraged to contact authorities by texting a specific number with a reference code.