Brave Train Employee Endures Life-Threatening Wounds Amid Multiple Knife Incident on Express Train
A valiant railway staff member who stepped in to protect passengers during a multiple stabbing incident on a high-speed train has sustained critical wounds, police confirmed on Sunday.
Details of the Terrifying Incident
CCTV video reportedly depicts the staff member attempting to stop the assailant as the train traveled between Peterborough and Huntingdon in the county. Bystanders recounted a frightening 14-minute period after the train departed Peterborough, with injured victims fleeing through carriages.
The individual, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, is in detention for questioning. Authorities declared a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Crisis Response and Aftermath
The incident on the weekend led to 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Several people have now been discharged from hospital.
A bystander recorded the individual brandishing a big knife and being shot with a stun device as he faced police on the platform. He was allegedly heard shouting, "Kill me, kill me."
âThis awful event has created broad consequences. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families â particularly the courageous employee of train personnel whose relatives are being supported by trained personnel,â stated a high-ranking law enforcement official.
Labor Response and Appeals for Action
Rail associations were swift to commend employees and demand more action. One union official stated he would be ârequesting urgent discussions with government, train companies and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the best available support, resources and robust protocols in placeâ.
A different union leader encouraged the rail company and government âto act quickly to review security, to help the affected workers, and to ensure that no incident like this occurs againâ.
Driver Commended for Quick Thinking
The train driver who halted the service at Huntingdon was described as being âdeeply affectedâ but âwellâ, and has been praised by union officials for doing âexactly the right thingâ.
âThe driver didnât halt the train in the center of two stations where itâs clearly difficult for the emergency services to reach, but he carried on going until he got to Huntingdon, where the response was pretty much already there,â stated a association representative.
Additional Details
Police said they got the first emergency calls at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An observer recounted initially wondering if the situation was a holiday joke, but quickly realized from people's faces that it was serious.
Police have confirmed there is no evidence to suggest the incident was a terror-related attack and have asked the public to come forward with any additional information.
Rail operations on the affected route are anticipated to experience disruption until the following day, with passengers recommended to postpone their journeys where possible.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation are asked to reach authorities by texting a specific number with a case code.