Heroic Rail Staff Member Receives Life-Threatening Injuries Amid Multiple Knife Attack on High-Speed Train
A valiant train staff member who stepped in to save travelers during a multiple knife incident on a express train has suffered life-threatening wounds, authorities stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Frightening Incident
Surveillance footage reportedly shows the employee trying to halt the assailant as the train journeyed between Peterborough and Huntingdon in the county. Bystanders described a terrifying 14-minute duration after the train departed Peterborough, with bloodied victims fleeing through carriages.
The suspect, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in custody for interrogation. Police announced a significant incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Emergency Reaction and Aftermath
The incident on the weekend resulted in 11 people being treated in medical facilities after the train made an unscheduled stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Several people have now been released from medical care.
A witness recorded the individual waving a large knife and being subdued with a stun device as he confronted officers on the platform. He was allegedly heard yelling, "End my life, kill me."
“This terrible incident has affected many people. We are thinking of the victims and their families – particularly the brave member of train personnel whose family are being assisted by trained personnel,” said a senior police official.
Labor Response and Calls for Action
Rail associations were quick to commend staff and call for increased measures. A labor leader stated he would be “requesting immediate discussions with authorities, train companies and law enforcement to ensure that we have the strongest available support, resources and effective procedures in operation”.
A different union representative encouraged the train operator and government “to act swiftly to examine safety, to help the affected employees, and to ensure that no incident like this happens again”.
Driver Praised for Quick Action
The train driver who stopped the service at Huntingdon was described as being “very shaken” but “well”, and has been praised by association officials for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“He did not halt the service in the center of two stops where it’s clearly difficult for the first responders to access, but he carried on traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much waiting,” explained a union official.
Further Information
Authorities stated they received the initial distress calls at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An witness recounted initially wondering if the situation was a holiday joke, but quickly realized from people's expressions that it was serious.
Police have confirmed there is no evidence to suggest the incident was a terrorist incident and have asked the community to provide with any further details.
Train operations on the affected line are anticipated to have delays until Monday, with travelers recommended to postpone their journeys where feasible.
Anyone with information that could help the investigation are encouraged to contact police by texting a specific number with a case code.
