Brave Rail Employee Receives Critical Injuries During Mass Knife Incident on High-Speed Service
A brave railway staff member who stepped in to save passengers during a multiple stabbing incident on a express train has sustained life-threatening injuries, police confirmed on Sunday.
Details of the Terrifying Incident
Surveillance footage allegedly depicts the staff member attempting to stop the attacker as the train traveled between a city and Huntingdon in the county. Bystanders recounted a frightening 14-minute period after the train departed Peterborough, with injured passengers fleeing through carriages.
The suspect, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, is in custody for questioning. Authorities announced a major event on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Emergency Response and Consequences
The incident on Saturday night resulted in 11 people being treated in medical facilities after the train made an unplanned stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Five individuals have since been released from medical care.
A witness recorded the individual brandishing a large knife and being shot with a stun device as he confronted police on the platform. He was reportedly heard shouting, "Kill me, kill me."
“This awful event has created broad consequences. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – especially the brave employee of train personnel whose family are being supported by trained personnel,” said a high-ranking law enforcement officer.
Union Response and Appeals for Action
Rail unions were swift to commend employees and demand more measures. A labor leader stated he would be “seeking urgent meetings with authorities, train companies and police to guarantee that we have the best possible support, tools and robust protocols in operation”.
Another union representative encouraged the rail company and government “to move swiftly to examine security, to help the affected workers, and to make sure nothing like this occurs again”.
Driver Commended for Quick Action
The operator who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being “very shaken” but “well”, and has been commended by union representatives for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“The driver didn’t halt the train in the center of two stations where it’s obviously difficult for the first responders to reach, but he carried on traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much already there,” explained a association representative.
Further Details
Police stated they received the first emergency calls at 7:39 pm, and the train was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One witness recounted initially wondering if the situation was a holiday joke, but quickly understood from individuals' expressions that it was real.
Authorities have stated there is nothing to indicate the incident was a terror-related incident and have asked the public to provide with any further information.
Train operations on the affected route are expected to experience delays until Monday, with travelers recommended to defer their travel where possible.
Individuals with information that could help the investigation are asked to contact authorities by texting a specific number with a case code.