Courageous Train Staff Member Suffers Severe Injuries During Multiple Stabbing Attack on High-Speed Train
A courageous railway employee who stepped in to save passengers during a multiple knife attack on a express train has suffered life-threatening injuries, authorities stated on Sunday.
Details of the Frightening Incident
CCTV video reportedly shows the staff member trying to halt the attacker as the train journeyed between Peterborough and another station in the county. Bystanders recounted a frightening 14-minute duration after the train left Peterborough, with injured victims fleeing through carriages.
The suspect, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, remains in custody for questioning. Police declared a significant event on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
The event on the weekend led to 11 people being cared for in hospital after the train made an unplanned stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Five people have since been released from medical care.
A witness recorded the individual brandishing a large knife and being subdued with a Taser as he confronted officers on the platform. He was reportedly heard shouting, "End my life, end my life."
“This was a horrific attack that has had a wide impact. Our sympathies go out to the injured and their loved ones – especially the courageous member of rail staff whose relatives are being assisted by trained officers,” stated a high-ranking police official.
Union Reaction and Appeals for Measures
Rail associations were swift to praise staff and demand increased measures. A union leader said he would be “seeking urgent discussions with authorities, train companies and police to guarantee that we have the strongest possible support, resources and robust protocols in operation”.
Another union representative encouraged the rail company and government “to act quickly to review security, to help the affected employees, and to ensure that no incident like this happens again”.
Driver Praised for Rapid Action
The operator who halted the train at Huntingdon was reported as being “very shaken” but “well”, and has been praised by union representatives for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“The driver did not halt the train in the center of two stops where it’s obviously challenging for the emergency services to access, but he carried on traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much already there,” explained a union official.
Additional Details
Authorities said they received the first emergency reports at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An witness recounted at first wondering if the event was a Halloween prank, but soon realized from individuals' expressions that it was real.
Police have stated there is no evidence to suggest the incident was a terrorist attack and have asked the community to provide with any further details.
Train services on the affected line are expected to have delays until the following day, with travelers advised to postpone their journeys where feasible.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation are encouraged to reach police by texting a designated number with a reference code.