Courageous Train Staff Member Receives Severe Wounds Amid Mass Knife Incident on High-Speed Train
A brave train staff member who stepped in to save travelers during a multiple knife incident on a express train has sustained life-threatening injuries, police confirmed on Sunday.
Particulars of the Frightening Incident
Surveillance footage reportedly depicts the employee trying to halt the assailant as the train traveled between Peterborough and Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. Bystanders recounted a terrifying 14-minute duration after the train left Peterborough, with bloodied victims fleeing through carriages.
The suspect, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in custody for questioning. Police announced a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Crisis Reaction and Aftermath
The event on Saturday night resulted in 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unplanned stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several individuals have since been discharged from medical care.
A bystander recorded the suspect brandishing a big knife and being subdued with a Taser as he confronted officers on the station. He was reportedly heard shouting, "Kill me, end my life."
“This awful event has created broad consequences. We are thinking of the victims and their families – especially the courageous member of train personnel whose family are being assisted by trained officers,” said a senior police official.
Union Reaction and Calls for Measures
Train associations were quick to praise staff and call for increased measures. One union leader stated he would be “seeking immediate discussions with authorities, rail employers and police to guarantee that we have the strongest possible assistance, resources and robust protocols in place”.
Another union leader encouraged the rail company and authorities “to act quickly to review security, to support the affected employees, and to make sure nothing like this occurs again”.
Operator Praised for Quick Thinking
The operator who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being “very shaken” but “well”, and has been commended by association representatives for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“He didn’t stop the service in the middle of two stations where it’s clearly challenging for the first responders to reach, but he carried on going until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much waiting,” explained a union representative.
Further Information
Police said they received the initial distress reports at 7:39 pm, and the service was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An observer described at first thinking if the situation was a Halloween prank, but quickly realized from people's faces that it was real.
Police have stated there is no evidence to indicate the event was a terror-related attack and have asked the community to come forward with any additional details.
Train operations on the affected route are expected to have disruption until Monday, with travelers recommended to defer their travel where feasible.
Individuals with details that could help the inquiry are encouraged to contact police by sending a message a designated number with a reference code.
