Train Hero Wakes and Talks to Wife

A rail worker who saved several lives during a stabbing incident on a train has regained consciousness in hospital and spoken to his wife for the first time.

sarah

Nov 10, 2025 - 19:30

Train Hero Wakes and Talks to Wife

Samir Zitouni, 48, was a member of the catering crew on a train from Doncaster to London King's Cross on November 1 when an attacker struck as it passed through Cambridgeshire.

British Transport Police (BTP) described the actions of the crew member, who sustained serious injuries, as "heroic".

A Go Fund Me page, set up with the Zitouni family's permission, said on Friday: "His wife has shared the wonderful news that Sam woke up briefly yesterday, and she was able to speak to him for a short time."

Last week, BTP said Mr Zitouni was "critically ill" but stable at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

He was one of 11 people injured in the attack on the 18:25 GMT LNER service that evening.

A crowdfunding page set up by Gemma Royce – who said she worked with him – has so far raised more than £50,000 to help Mr Zitouni's family.

Sharing the news that Mr Zitouni – known as Sam – had been able to speak briefly to his wife, Ms Royce wrote: "This is a really positive step, although he still has a long way to go in his recovery.

"Thank you all for keeping Sam and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

"Your kindness means so much to them."

Ms Royce said other charity volunteers were also helping to raise funds.

Mr Zitouni has worked for LNER for more than 20 years. LNER managing director David Horne said last week: “In a moment of crisis, Sam didn’t hesitate to step forward to protect those around him.”

Mr. Zitouni is believed to have “intervened” to stop the suspect from stabbing a girl, sustaining serious injuries to his head and neck. In a statement shared by the family on a crowdfunding page on Thursday, his wife wrote: “Sam acted as a shield to save the lives of others, risking not being able to return home to his beloved son.

“That’s the kind of person Sam is – he would do this for any human being, regardless of race, age, gender, religion or origin, even for people he doesn’t know.

“Sam is our hero.”

Passengers on the train reported that a man wielding a knife began stabbing people after the train passed through Peterborough.

The driver brought the train to an emergency stop in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

Anthony Williams, 32, of no fixed address, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with the train stabbings and one count of attempted murder in connection with an alleged attack in London.

He is due to appear at Cambridge Crown Court on December 1.