Heroic Rail Staff Member Suffers Life-Threatening Injuries During Mass Knife Incident on Express Service

A valiant railway staff member who intervened to save travelers during a mass stabbing attack on a express train has suffered critical wounds, authorities confirmed on Sunday.

Particulars of the Terrifying Event

Surveillance video allegedly shows the staff member trying to halt the attacker as the train traveled between Peterborough and Huntingdon in the county. Bystanders described a terrifying 14-minute period after the train left Peterborough, with bloodied victims running through carriages.

The suspect, a 32-year-old British national from Peterborough, is in custody for interrogation. Authorities declared a significant incident on the 6:25 pm service from Peterborough to King's Cross in downtown London.

Crisis Response and Aftermath

The event on the weekend resulted in 11 people being treated in medical facilities after the train made an unplanned stop at platform 2 in Huntingdon. Five individuals have now been discharged from medical care.

A witness filmed the individual brandishing a big knife and being subdued with a stun device as he faced police on the station. He was allegedly heard yelling, "Kill me, kill me."

“This awful event has created broad consequences. We are thinking of the victims and their families – especially the brave member of train personnel whose family are being supported by trained officers,” stated a senior police officer.

Union Reaction and Appeals for Measures

Rail unions were swift to commend staff and call for increased measures. A union leader said he would be “requesting immediate meetings with authorities, rail employers and police to ensure that we have the best available assistance, tools and effective protocols in operation”.

A different union representative urged the rail company and authorities “to move quickly to review safety, to help the impacted employees, and to ensure that no incident like this happens again”.

Driver Commended for Quick Action

The train driver who stopped the train at Huntingdon was described as being “deeply affected” but “good”, and has been commended by union representatives for doing “exactly the right thing”.

“The driver didn’t halt the train in the middle of two stops where it’s clearly challenging for the first responders to access, but he carried on traveling until he got to Huntingdon, where the response was pretty much already there,” stated a association official.

Further Information

Police stated they got the first distress calls at 7:39 pm, and the train was compelled to make an unplanned stop in Huntingdon at 7:50 pm.

One witness recounted initially wondering if the event was a holiday joke, but soon understood from individuals' expressions that it was real.

Authorities have confirmed there is nothing to suggest the event was a terrorist incident and have asked the public to come forward with any further details.

Train operations on the impacted line are anticipated to have disruption until the following day, with passengers recommended to defer their journeys where feasible.

Anyone with information that could assist the inquiry are encouraged to contact police by texting a designated number with a case code.

Martin Dawson
Martin Dawson

A passionate travel writer and local expert dedicated to uncovering Pisa's natural beauty and sharing insights for memorable outdoor experiences.