Hero worker seriously injured in Huntingdon train attack wakes up | UK | News
The “hero” train worker, who was seriously injured while protecting passengers during a mass stabbing, woke up in the hospital and spoke to his wife. Samir Zitouni, known as Sam, was working on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train from Doncaster to London when the attack occurred near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, on 1 November.
The 48-year-old man was said to have fended off his attacker with a frying pan, while British Transport Police (BTP) said his “actions were heroic and undoubtedly saved many lives”. Mr Zitouni woke up “briefly” on Thursday, according to the Go Fund Me Page created for the LNER team member. Organizer Gemma Royce said Mr Zitouni’s wife shared that she was able to speak to him “briefly”.
In an update on Friday, he added: “This is a really positive step, but there is still a long road ahead for his recovery.
“Thank you all for continuing to keep Sam and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
“Your kindness means the world to them.”
The Go Fund Me Page has raised almost £55,000.
In a statement on the fundraising page, Mr Zitouni’s family called him “our hero”.
Mr Zitouni has worked for LNER for more than 20 years and is a customer experience provider whose role largely involves providing onboard catering.
Last week, LNER chief executive David Horne said: “Sam did not hesitate in stepping forward to protect those around him in a moment of crisis.”
The attack is understood to have started shortly after the train left Peterborough station.
Passengers activated emergency alarms on the LNER service and then driver Andrew Johnson, who served in the Royal Navy for 17 years, contacted a signalman and requested an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station.
BTP said last week that Mr Zitouni was in a stable but critical condition at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
Among the 11 patients injured during the attack, there was a person receiving treatment in the hospital.
Anthony Williams, 32, was remanded in custody at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court on November 3 on 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with the incident.
His next hearing will be held at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1.
