Brave Train Employee Endures Critical Wounds Amid Mass Stabbing Incident on Express Service
A courageous train employee who stepped in to protect travelers during a multiple stabbing attack on a high-speed train has suffered critical wounds, authorities stated on Sunday.
Details of the Frightening Event
CCTV footage allegedly shows the employee attempting to halt the assailant as the train journeyed between Peterborough and another station in the county. Bystanders recounted a frightening 14-minute duration after the train departed Peterborough, with injured passengers fleeing through compartments.
The individual, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, remains in custody for questioning. Authorities announced a major event on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
The incident on the weekend resulted in 11 people being cared for in medical facilities after the train made an unplanned stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several people have since been discharged from medical care.
A bystander recorded the individual brandishing a big knife and being subdued with a stun device as he confronted officers on the platform. He was reportedly heard yelling, "End my life, end my life."
“This was a horrific attack that has had a wide impact. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – particularly the brave employee of train personnel whose relatives are being assisted by trained officers,” said a senior police officer.
Labor Reaction and Appeals for Measures
Rail unions were swift to commend staff and demand increased measures. One labor official stated he would be “seeking immediate discussions with government, rail employers and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the best possible support, resources and effective procedures in place”.
Another association representative encouraged the train operator and authorities “to move quickly to review safety, to help the impacted workers, and to ensure that no incident like this happens again”.
Driver Praised for Rapid Action
The operator who stopped the train at Huntingdon was described as being “deeply affected” but “good”, and has been commended by union representatives for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“The driver did not stop the service in the center of two stops where it’s clearly difficult for the emergency services to access, but he carried on traveling until he got to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much already there,” stated a association representative.
Additional Information
Police said they got the first distress calls at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An observer recounted initially thinking if the event was a Halloween prank, but quickly realized from individuals' faces that it was serious.
Police have confirmed there is no evidence to indicate the incident was a terror-related attack and have requested the community to provide with any further information.
Train services on the impacted line are expected to experience delays until the following day, with travelers recommended to defer their travel where feasible.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation are asked to reach police by sending a message a specific number with a reference code.