‘Hero’ train driver in Huntingdon train attack named as Iraq War veter | UK | News
The “hero” train driver in the Huntingdon train attack is believed to be an Iraq War veteran. The driver’s name was reported to be Andrew Johnson, who made an emergency, unplanned stop at Huntingdon station so passengers could escape the violence and police could intervene. Telegram.
Mr Johnson diverted the train to London King’s Cross within minutes of receiving news of the attack in which multiple people were stabbed. It is understood he served in the Royal Navy for 17 years, deploying to Iraq in 2003 and ending his career as a Chief Petty Officer to work as a weapons engineer.
During the Iraq War, Mr Johnson is believed to have served on a ship tasked with clearing mines in the Tigris River.
Mr Johnson, from Peterborough, was reported to have been a train driver in 2018 but still regularly supports veterans and was fundraising for the Royal British Legion at his local Waitrose just days before Saturday’s attack.
Eleven people were taken to hospital after an attacker began stabbing passengers on the LNER service from Doncaster to King’s Cross at 6.25pm, minutes after leaving Peterborough station. The life-threatening situation of two people being treated at the hospital continues.
Train colleagues and members of the public praised train staff and noted that the incident could have been even more dire had it not been for rapid intervention on a closed high-speed train with little room to hide.
Eddie Dempsey, general secretary of the RMT rail union, said: “I would like to recognize the professionalism, bravery and determination of all the railway workers involved, from train crews to drivers and our members in operations who quickly assisted in diverting the King’s Cross-bound train to Huntingdon station, allowing police and emergency services to take rapid action.”
He added: “I will be holding urgent meetings with the government, rail employers and the police to ensure we have the strongest possible support, resources and robust procedures to protect our members and the traveling public.”
There was a massive emergency response rush to the station on Saturday evening, with reports of around 30 vehicles in the area and armed police stun-gunning a man to the ground before arresting him.
Two British men are being held in police custody on suspicion of attempted murder.
