Heroic Rail Employee Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries Amid Multiple Stabbing Attack on High-Speed Service
A brave railway staff member who stepped in to protect travelers during a multiple knife incident on a high-speed train has suffered critical injuries, police stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Terrifying Incident
Surveillance footage allegedly shows the employee trying to halt the attacker as the train traveled between Peterborough and Huntingdon in the county. Bystanders recounted a frightening 14-minute period after the train left Peterborough, with injured passengers running through carriages.
The individual, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, is in custody for questioning. Police announced a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Emergency Reaction and Aftermath
The event on Saturday night led to 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unscheduled stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Five individuals have since been discharged from hospital.
A witness recorded the suspect waving a big knife and being subdued with a Taser as he confronted police on the station. He was reportedly heard shouting, "Kill me, end my life."
“This awful event has created broad consequences. Our sympathies go out to the injured and their loved ones – especially the courageous member of rail staff whose relatives are being supported by trained officers,” said a senior police official.
Labor Reaction and Calls for Action
Rail unions were swift to commend staff and demand more measures. One union leader stated he would be “requesting immediate discussions with authorities, train companies and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the strongest available support, resources and effective procedures in operation”.
Another association leader encouraged the train operator and authorities “to act swiftly to examine safety, to help the impacted employees, and to make sure nothing like this occurs again”.
Operator Commended for Rapid Action
The operator who halted the service at Huntingdon was reported as being “very shaken” but “well”, and has been praised by association representatives for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“He didn’t halt the service in the center of two stations where it’s obviously challenging for the emergency services to reach, but he carried on going until he got to Huntingdon, where the assistance was almost waiting,” explained a association official.
Further Details
Authorities said they got the initial distress reports at 7:39 pm, and the train was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An witness recounted initially wondering if the situation was a Halloween joke, but soon realized from individuals' faces that it was serious.
Authorities have confirmed there is nothing to indicate the incident was a terror-related attack and have asked the community to provide with any further details.
Train services on the impacted line are expected to experience disruption until Monday, with travelers advised to defer their journeys where possible.
Individuals with information that could help the investigation are asked to contact police by texting a specific number with a case code.