Heroic Train Staff Member Suffers Critical Wounds During Multiple Knife Attack on High-Speed Service
A valiant railway staff member who stepped in to protect passengers during a mass stabbing attack on a express train has suffered critical wounds, police stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Frightening Event
CCTV footage allegedly shows the staff member trying to halt the attacker as the train traveled between a city and Huntingdon in the county. Witnesses described a terrifying 14-minute duration after the train departed Peterborough, with bloodied victims fleeing through compartments.
The individual, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in detention for questioning. Police declared a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Emergency Response and Consequences
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. Five individuals have since been released from hospital.
A bystander filmed the individual brandishing a big knife and being subdued with a stun device as he faced police on the platform. He was allegedly heard yelling, "Kill me, end my life."
“This awful event has created broad consequences. We are thinking of the victims and their families – particularly the brave member of rail staff whose family are being assisted by specialist officers,” said a high-ranking police officer.
Union Reaction and Calls for Action
Train unions were quick to commend staff and demand more measures. A labor official said he would be “requesting immediate discussions with authorities, rail employers and police to ensure that we have the best possible support, tools and robust protocols in operation”.
A different union leader encouraged the train operator and authorities “to act swiftly to review security, to support the impacted workers, and to ensure nothing like this occurs again”.
Driver Commended for Quick Thinking
The train driver who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been commended by association representatives for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“The driver did not halt the service in the center of two stops where it’s clearly challenging for the first responders to reach, but he continued traveling until he got to Huntingdon, where the assistance was almost waiting,” explained a association official.
Additional Details
Authorities stated they got the first emergency reports at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One witness recounted at first wondering if the situation was a Halloween prank, but quickly understood from individuals' faces that it was real.
Police have stated there is no evidence to suggest the incident was a terror-related attack and have asked the public to provide with any further details.
Rail services on the impacted route are anticipated to experience disruption until Monday, with passengers advised to postpone their journeys where feasible.
Individuals with details that could assist the investigation are asked to contact police by texting a specific number with a case code.
