Brave Rail Staff Member Receives Severe Injuries Amid Mass Stabbing Incident on High-Speed Service
A valiant railway staff member who stepped in to save passengers during a mass stabbing incident on a express train has sustained life-threatening wounds, police stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Frightening Incident
CCTV footage reportedly depicts the staff member trying to halt the attacker as the train journeyed between Peterborough and another station in Cambridgeshire. Witnesses described a terrifying 14-minute duration after the train left Peterborough, with injured passengers fleeing through compartments.
The suspect, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in detention for questioning. Authorities declared a major event on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in central London.
Crisis Response and Aftermath
The incident on Saturday night resulted in 11 people being cared for in medical facilities after the train made an unplanned stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several people have since been discharged from medical care.
A witness recorded the individual brandishing a large knife and being subdued with a stun device as he faced police on the station. He was reportedly heard shouting, "Kill me, end my life."
“This terrible incident has affected many people. My thoughts and those of everyone in British Transport Police are with those injured and their families – particularly the brave employee of train personnel whose relatives are being supported by trained personnel,” said a high-ranking law enforcement official.
Union Response and Appeals for Measures
Train unions were quick to commend staff and demand more action. One union leader stated he would be “requesting urgent discussions with government, train companies and police to ensure that we have the best possible assistance, tools and effective protocols in place”.
A different association leader encouraged the train operator and government “to act swiftly to review safety, to support the affected workers, and to make sure nothing like this happens again”.
Operator Commended for Rapid Action
The operator who halted the train at Huntingdon was described as being “very shaken” but “well”, and has been praised by union representatives for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“He did not halt the train 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 response was pretty much waiting,” explained a union official.
Additional Details
Police said they got the first distress calls at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One witness described at first wondering if the situation was a holiday prank, but soon understood from people's faces that it was real.
Authorities have confirmed there is nothing to suggest the incident was a terrorist incident and have asked the public to provide with any additional information.
Train operations on the affected line are anticipated to have delays until the following day, with travelers recommended to postpone their travel where possible.
Anyone with information that could help the inquiry are encouraged to reach police by texting a specific number with a case code.