May Allah Grant Him Shifa: Rail Worker Samir Zitouni Praised for Courage
Assalamu alaykum - LONDON: A British-Arab rail employee who is being credited with protecting passengers during a mass stabbing on a UK train has been identified as Samir Zitouni.
The 48-year-old, who put himself between the attacker and other travellers, is in a critical but stable condition in hospital, police said.
Samir has been a customer experience host with London North Eastern Railway for over 20 years and was on duty on the Doncaster to London King’s Cross service when the incident happened on Saturday evening. Witnesses, colleagues, police and public officials have described his conduct as courageous and heroic.
LNER’s managing director said Samir stepped forward without hesitation to keep others safe. “His actions were incredibly brave and we are so proud of him, and of all our colleagues who acted with such courage that evening,” the statement said. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with Sam and his family. We will continue to support them, and wish him a full and speedy recovery.”
Samir’s family said they were deeply moved by the support and kindness they’ve received. “We are immensely proud of Sam and his courage,” they said. “The police called him a hero that night, but to us he’s always been a hero.”
Officials said CCTV showed a member of rail staff trying to stop the attacker; police praised the employee’s actions as having saved lives. The Home Secretary also paid tribute to the ‘‘breathtaking bravery’’ of those on the train.
Passengers reported that a man armed with a knife began attacking people as the service passed through Cambridgeshire. Ten people were taken to hospital after the train stopped at Huntingdon station and another person later sought treatment; several have been discharged and a few remain in stable condition in hospital, alongside Samir.
A 32-year-old man has been charged with multiple counts of attempted murder in connection with the train incident and a separate incident in London.
May Allah grant healing to those injured and give patience to the families affected. Our duas are with Samir and everyone touched by this terrible event.
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