Brave Train Employee Endures Severe Wounds During Mass Stabbing Attack on High-Speed Service
A courageous railway employee who stepped in to protect travelers during a mass stabbing incident on a high-speed train has suffered life-threatening wounds, police stated on Sunday.
Details of the Frightening Event
CCTV footage reportedly depicts the employee attempting to stop the assailant as the train traveled between Peterborough and another station in the county. Bystanders described a terrifying 14-minute duration after the train left Peterborough, with injured victims fleeing through compartments.
The individual, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, remains in detention for questioning. Police announced a significant incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Emergency Response and Aftermath
The incident on the weekend led to 11 people being treated in medical facilities after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several individuals have since been discharged from hospital.
A bystander filmed the suspect waving a big knife and being subdued with a Taser as he faced police on the station. He was allegedly heard yelling, "Kill me, end my life."
“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 member of train personnel whose relatives are being assisted by specialist personnel,” stated a high-ranking police official.
Labor Reaction and Calls for Action
Train unions were quick to commend employees and call for increased measures. One union official said he would be “seeking urgent meetings with authorities, train companies and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the strongest available assistance, resources and robust procedures in place”.
A different association leader urged the rail company and authorities “to move quickly to review safety, to help the affected workers, and to make sure nothing like this happens again”.
Operator Commended for Quick Action
The operator who halted the service at Huntingdon was reported as being “very shaken” but “well”, and has been praised by association officials for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“He didn’t stop the train in the middle of two stops where it’s obviously difficult for the first responders to access, but he continued traveling until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much already there,” explained a union representative.
Further Details
Authorities stated they received the initial distress reports at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An witness recounted at first thinking if the situation was a holiday prank, but soon realized from individuals' expressions that it was serious.
Police have confirmed there is nothing to suggest the incident was a terror-related incident and have asked the public to come forward with any additional details.
Train services on the affected route are anticipated to have disruption until Monday, with travelers advised to postpone their travel where feasible.
Anyone with information that could help the investigation are asked to reach police by sending a message a specific number with a reference code.