A team in York played a key role in bringing hundreds of rail travellers to safety after the stabbing on an LNER train.
The driver involved in Saturday’s incident worked with teams in the Rail Operating Centre in York to get the train to an early unscheduled stop at Huntingdon in Cambridgeshire.
Through the York team, Andrew Johnson could contact a signaller, who took immediate action to divert Saturday’s 6.25pm service between Doncaster and London King’s Cross from its usual route.
Andrew called upon his near 20-year driving experience to request an unscheduled stop at Huntingdon station, allowing police to access the train and apprehend a violent suspect.
Before joining the railway, Andrew served in the Royal Navy for 17-years.
LNER drivers undergo more than 300 hours of classroom and practical training before becoming operational on the railway. Once qualified, they are regularly assessed, with a two-year cycle of rigorous competency checks.
Andrew said: “As train drivers, we hold a lot of responsibility. We practise our emergency response and keep up to date with our knowledge of the route, so if needed, we know exactly where to stop and what to do.”
He continued: “The action I took is the same as any other driver. I think my colleagues onboard were the real heroes and I’d like to pay tribute to their bravery.
David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, said: “Andrew’s actions are testament to the expertise and skills he has built over his career, both on the railway and in the military. The intensive training undertaken by our drivers means they are always ready to respond in any situation.
“We’re grateful to Andrew, our onboard colleagues, the signaller, and the station team at Huntingdon, for their actions on Saturday. Our thoughts remain with our colleague in hospital.”
