Heroic Train Employee Receives Critical Wounds During Mass Knife Attack on Express Train
A valiant train employee who stepped in to save travelers during a mass stabbing attack on a high-speed train has suffered critical wounds, police stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Frightening Incident
CCTV video reportedly shows the employee attempting to stop the assailant as the train traveled between Peterborough and another station in the county. Bystanders described a terrifying 14-minute duration after the train departed Peterborough, with injured victims running through carriages.
The suspect, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in custody for questioning. Authorities declared a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Emergency Reaction and Aftermath
The event on Saturday night led to 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unplanned stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several people have since been discharged from hospital.
A witness filmed the individual brandishing a big knife and being subdued with a Taser as he confronted police on the station. He was allegedly heard shouting, "End my life, kill me."
“This awful event has created broad consequences. We are thinking of the victims and their families – particularly the brave employee of rail staff whose family are being supported by trained officers,” said a high-ranking law enforcement official.
Labor Response and Calls for Measures
Rail associations were quick to commend employees and demand more action. One union leader said he would be “requesting immediate meetings with authorities, rail employers and police to guarantee that we have the best possible support, tools and effective procedures in place”.
Another union representative encouraged the rail company and authorities “to act quickly to examine security, to support the affected employees, and to ensure that no incident like this happens again”.
Operator Praised for Rapid Thinking
The train driver who stopped the service at Huntingdon was described as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been commended by association representatives for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“He didn’t halt the train in the center of two stops where it’s obviously difficult for the first responders to reach, but he continued going until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much already there,” stated a association representative.
Additional Information
Authorities said they received the first distress calls at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One observer described initially wondering if the situation was a Halloween prank, but quickly understood from individuals' expressions that it was real.
Police have stated there is no evidence to indicate the incident was a terrorist attack and have asked the public to provide with any further details.
Train services on the impacted route are anticipated to experience delays until the following day, with travelers recommended to postpone their travel where feasible.
Individuals with details that could help the investigation are encouraged to contact police by sending a message a designated number with a case code.