LONDON: Samir Zitouni, the rail worker severely injured as he fought off a knifeman on a UK train, has spoken to his wife for the first time since the attack.
The 48-year-old father has been in hospital since the mass stabbing on Saturday. The last update on his condition from police on Tuesday said he was in a critical but stable condition.
Zitouni, a British Arab, has been heralded for his bravery in saving the lives of passengers as a man wielding a long knife rampaged through the carriages of the Doncaster to London service.
His wife, Eleni, said he had woken up briefly on Thursday and that she was able to speak with him for a short time, according to an update on a set up to support Zitouni and his family.
“This is a truly positive step forward, though there is still a long journey ahead in his recovery,” the update posted on Friday said.
The message followed an earlier post on Thursday sent by Eleni and signed from the family in which they sent their “deepest gratitude” for the kindness and support of well-wishers.
“Sam is a kind and courageous person who believes deeply in humanity,” the message said. “On 01–11–25 Sam acted as a shield to protect the lives of others, risking not being able to return home to his beloved son.
“This is who Sam is — he would do the same for anyone, regardless of color, age, gender, religion or origin, even for those he does not know.
“Sam is our hero.”
The message thanked the community of parents and teachers at their son’s school, where he is in Year 4, which includes 8- and 9-year-olds.
The family thanked the police and medical staff at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where Zitouni is being treated.
They also thanked his colleagues at London North Eastern Railway “for their kindness and all messages and prayers.”
The attack led to 10 people being taken to hospital by ambulance, British Transport Police said.
Anthony Williams, 32, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder and an additional count of attempted murder in connection with another attack in London on Saturday.
Zitouni, who has worked at LNER for more than 20 years, was on shift as a customer experience host, when the attack took place.
He armed himself with a frying pan from the train’s kitchen to tackle the knifeman, UK media reported.
Zitouni’s actions, which were caught on CCTV, were described as “nothing short of heroic” by detectives, who said he had undoubtedly saved people’s lives.
There have been widespread calls for Zitouni’s bravery to be formally recognized by the government.
As of Friday afternoon UK time, the GoFundMe page set up for Zitouni and his family by the charity had raised more than £24,000.
