‘Hero’ crew member injured in train mass stabbing regains consciousness
A train crewman who was seriously injured protecting passengers during a mass stabbing has regained consciousness, his family said.
Samir Zitouni, known as Sam, was working on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train from Doncaster to London when the attack occurred in Cambridgeshire on Saturday.
Mr Zitouni, who devoted more than two decades to the LNER, was praised for his heroic actions and credited with saving many lives during the attack.
A GoFundMe page The company set up in his honor had raised more than £40,000 as of Sunday afternoon and was close to its new target of £50,000.
In a heartfelt message posted on the fundraising platform, his family expressed their gratitude for public donations, describing Mr Zitouni simply as “our hero”.
In an update shared on the page, they said: “Sam’s family continues to be deeply grateful for your kind messages, generosity and support.
“His wife shared the wonderful news that Sam woke up briefly yesterday and was able to talk to him briefly. “This is a really positive step, but he still has a long road to recovery.
“Thank you all for continuing to keep Sam and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Your kindness means the world to them.”
Mr Zitouni’s role is that of customer experience provider, which largely involves providing onboard catering.
Saturday’s attack is understood to have started shortly after the train left Peterborough station.
Passengers pulled emergency alarms on the LNER service.
Train driver Andrew Johnson, who served in the Royal Navy for 17 years, contacted a signalman and requested an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station.
British Transport Police said on Tuesday that 10 patients were taken by ambulance to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and one patient self-reported.
British Transport Police also said on Tuesday that an LNER worker was in a stable but critical condition in hospital.
Anthony Williams, 32, was charged with 10 counts of attempted murder following the attack.
