Brave Rail Employee Receives Severe Injuries During Mass Knife Attack on Express Train
A courageous railway employee who stepped in to save travelers during a multiple knife incident on a express train has suffered life-threatening wounds, authorities stated on Sunday.
Particulars of the Terrifying Event
Surveillance footage allegedly depicts the employee attempting to stop the attacker as the train traveled between Peterborough and Huntingdon in the county. Witnesses described a terrifying 14-minute period after the train departed Peterborough, with injured passengers running through carriages.
The individual, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in custody for questioning. Police declared a significant event on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.
Crisis Reaction and Aftermath
The event on Saturday night resulted in 11 people being treated in hospital after the train made an unplanned stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Five people have since been discharged from hospital.
A bystander filmed the suspect brandishing a large knife and being subdued with a Taser as he confronted police on the platform. He was allegedly heard yelling, "Kill me, kill me."
âThis terrible incident has affected many people. Our sympathies go out to the injured and their loved ones â especially the courageous member of rail staff whose relatives are being supported by specialist personnel,â stated a high-ranking law enforcement officer.
Union Response and Appeals for Measures
Rail associations were quick to commend staff and demand more measures. A labor leader stated he would be ârequesting urgent discussions with authorities, train companies and police to ensure that we have the strongest available assistance, tools and effective procedures in placeâ.
A different union leader urged the train operator and government âto move swiftly to examine safety, to support the impacted workers, and to make sure that no incident like this occurs againâ.
Driver Praised for Quick Action
The train driver who stopped the service at Huntingdon was described as being âvery shakenâ but âwellâ, and has been commended by association representatives for doing âexactly the right thingâ.
âThe driver didnât halt the service in the center of two stops where itâs clearly difficult for the first responders to access, but he carried on going until he got to Huntingdon, where the response was almost waiting,â explained a union representative.
Additional Information
Police stated they received the initial emergency reports at 7:39 pm, and the service was compelled to make an unscheduled stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.
An observer described at first thinking if the event was a Halloween joke, but soon realized from people's expressions that it was serious.
Authorities have stated there is no evidence to suggest the event was a terror-related incident and have asked the community to provide with any further details.
Rail services on the affected line are expected to experience delays until Monday, with passengers recommended to defer their travel where feasible.
Anyone with information that could help the investigation are asked to reach police by texting a specific number with a case code.