Courageous Rail Staff Member Suffers Life-Threatening Wounds During Mass Stabbing Incident on High-Speed Service
A courageous train employee who intervened to save travelers during a mass stabbing incident on a high-speed train has sustained life-threatening injuries, police stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Terrifying Event
CCTV footage allegedly shows the employee attempting to halt the assailant as the train traveled between Peterborough and another station in Cambridgeshire. Bystanders described a terrifying 14-minute duration after the train left Peterborough, with bloodied victims running through carriages.
The suspect, a 32-year-old citizen from Peterborough, is in detention for questioning. Authorities announced a major incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Crisis Reaction and Consequences
The event on the weekend led to 11 people being cared for in medical facilities after the train made an unscheduled stop at the station in Huntingdon. Several individuals have now been released from medical care.
A witness recorded the suspect brandishing a big knife and being shot with a Taser as he confronted officers on the platform. He was reportedly heard yelling, "Kill me, kill me."
“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 member of train personnel whose relatives are being supported by trained officers,” stated a senior law enforcement officer.
Union Reaction and Appeals for Action
Rail associations were swift to praise staff and call for increased action. A union leader said he would be “requesting urgent discussions with authorities, train companies and law enforcement to guarantee that we have the best possible support, resources and effective procedures in place”.
Another association leader urged the rail company and government “to act swiftly to review security, to help the impacted employees, and to ensure that no incident like this happens again”.
Driver Praised for Rapid Action
The train driver who stopped the service at Huntingdon was reported as being “deeply affected” but “well”, and has been commended by association officials for doing “exactly the right thing”.
“He did not halt the service in the middle of two stations where it’s obviously difficult for the first responders to reach, but he carried on going until he arrived to Huntingdon, where the response was pretty much already there,” stated a association representative.
Additional Information
Police stated they received the first distress reports at 7:39 pm, and the train was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
One witness described at first wondering if the situation was a Halloween prank, but quickly understood from individuals' expressions that it was serious.
Police have confirmed there is no evidence to indicate the event was a terror-related attack and have requested the community to come forward with any further information.
Train operations on the affected line are expected to have delays until the following day, with passengers recommended to postpone their travel where possible.
Individuals with information that could assist the inquiry are asked to contact authorities by texting a specific number with a case code.
