Courageous Train Employee Suffers Life-Threatening Wounds During Mass Stabbing Incident on Express Train
A valiant railway employee who stepped in to protect passengers during a multiple stabbing incident on a express train has suffered life-threatening wounds, police stated on Sunday.
Details of the Terrifying Event
Surveillance footage reportedly shows the staff member attempting to halt the assailant as the train journeyed between Peterborough and Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire. Witnesses described a frightening 14-minute period after the train left Peterborough, with injured victims running through carriages.
The individual, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, remains in custody for questioning. Police declared a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Crisis Response and Aftermath
The incident on Saturday night led to 11 people being cared for in medical facilities after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Five individuals have now been discharged from hospital.
A witness filmed the suspect brandishing a big knife and being shot with a stun device 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 brave member of train personnel whose family are being supported by specialist officers,” stated a senior police officer.
Union Reaction and Appeals for Action
Train associations were quick to praise staff and demand increased action. One labor official stated he would be “seeking urgent meetings with government, train companies and law enforcement to ensure that we have the strongest possible support, resources and effective protocols in operation”.
A different union leader encouraged the rail company and government “to act swiftly to review safety, to help the impacted employees, and to make sure nothing like this occurs again”.
Operator Praised for Quick Action
The operator who stopped the train at Huntingdon was reported as being “deeply affected” but “good”, and has been commended by union officials for doing “precisely what was needed”.
“He did not stop the train in the middle of two stations where it’s obviously challenging for the first responders to reach, but he carried on going until he got to Huntingdon, where the assistance was pretty much already there,” explained a association official.
Further Information
Police said they got the initial emergency calls at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One witness recounted initially thinking if the event was a Halloween joke, but quickly understood from individuals' faces that it was serious.
Authorities have stated there is nothing to suggest the incident was a terrorist attack and have requested the community to come forward with any additional information.
Rail operations on the impacted line are expected to experience delays until the following day, with travelers advised to postpone their journeys where possible.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation are asked to contact authorities by texting a specific number with a reference code.