Heroic Rail Staff Member Receives Critical Wounds Amid Mass Stabbing Attack on High-Speed Service
A courageous train employee who intervened to protect travelers during a multiple knife incident on a high-speed train has sustained critical wounds, authorities stated on Sunday.
Details of the Frightening Incident
Surveillance video reportedly depicts the employee attempting to halt the assailant as the train traveled between a city and Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. Bystanders recounted a frightening 14-minute duration after the train left Peterborough, with bloodied victims running through compartments.
The individual, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, remains in custody for interrogation. Police announced a significant incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Crisis Reaction and Consequences
The incident on the weekend resulted in 11 people being treated in medical facilities after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Five individuals have since been released from hospital.
A witness recorded the suspect waving a large knife and being shot with a stun device as he faced officers on the platform. He was reportedly heard shouting, "End my life, end my life."
“This terrible incident has affected many people. Our sympathies go out to the injured and their loved ones – particularly the courageous employee of train personnel whose relatives are being assisted by specialist officers,” said a senior police official.
Union Response and Appeals for Action
Train unions were swift to commend staff and call for increased action. A union official said he would be “seeking immediate meetings with government, train companies and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the best possible assistance, tools and effective protocols in operation”.
A different union leader urged the rail company and authorities “to act quickly to examine safety, to help the impacted workers, and to make sure that no incident like this happens again”.
Driver Commended for Rapid Action
The operator who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being “very shaken” but “good”, and has been commended by association representatives for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“The driver did not stop the service in the middle of two stops where it’s obviously challenging for the first responders to reach, but he continued going until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was almost already there,” explained a association official.
Additional Information
Police said they got the initial emergency calls at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An witness recounted initially thinking if the situation was a Halloween prank, but soon understood from people's expressions that it was real.
Authorities have confirmed there is no evidence to indicate the incident was a terrorist incident and have asked the community to provide with any additional details.
Rail operations on the impacted route are anticipated to have delays until Monday, with travelers recommended to postpone their journeys where possible.
Individuals with details that could help the investigation are asked to contact authorities by sending a message a specific number with a reference code.
