Heroic Rail Employee Endures Life-Threatening Injuries During Mass Knife Attack on High-Speed Train
A courageous train staff member who stepped in to save travelers during a mass knife attack on a express train has suffered life-threatening wounds, police confirmed on Sunday.
Particulars of the Frightening Incident
CCTV video reportedly shows the employee attempting to stop the assailant as the train traveled between a city and another station in the county. Witnesses described a frightening 14-minute period after the train departed Peterborough, with injured victims running through carriages.
The suspect, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, remains in detention for questioning. Authorities declared a significant incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Crisis Reaction and Consequences
The event on Saturday night resulted in 11 people being treated in medical facilities after the train made an unplanned stop at the station in Huntingdon. Five individuals have now been released from hospital.
A witness filmed the suspect waving a large knife and being subdued with a stun device as he faced police on the station. He was allegedly heard yelling, "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 – especially the brave member of train personnel whose relatives are being supported by specialist officers,” said a senior law enforcement official.
Labor Response and Calls for Action
Rail unions were swift to praise employees and call for more action. One union leader stated he would be “requesting immediate meetings with government, train companies and police to ensure that we have the best possible support, resources and robust protocols in operation”.
Another association leader urged the train operator and government “to move swiftly to review safety, to support the impacted workers, and to ensure nothing like this happens again”.
Operator Commended for Rapid Thinking
The operator who stopped the service at Huntingdon was described as being “deeply affected” but “good”, and has been praised by union representatives for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“The driver didn’t stop the service in the middle of two stations where it’s obviously difficult for the first responders to access, but he continued traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was almost waiting,” explained a union official.
Further Information
Police stated they got the first emergency calls at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An observer recounted initially wondering if the event was a Halloween prank, but quickly realized from individuals' faces that it was serious.
Police have stated there is no evidence to indicate the event was a terror-related attack and have requested the public to provide with any additional information.
Train services on the affected line are expected to have delays until the following day, with travelers recommended to defer their travel where possible.
Anyone with details that could help the investigation are asked to contact authorities by sending a message a designated number with a case code.