Ryanair Denies Refund to Local Huntingdon Hero Injured in Train Stabbing
HUNTINGDON, Cambridgeshire – Ryanair is refusing a full refund to Stephen Crean, a Huntingdon resident hailed a hero for his bravery during a mass stabbing on a train last Saturday evening, preventing perhaps dozens more injuries.Crean, recovering from multiple stab wounds, was unable to travel on a pre-booked Ryanair flight and has been told he is ineligible for a refund due to the airline’s fare conditions.
The incident occurred on a London North Eastern Railway (LNER) train travelling from Doncaster to London King’s Cross.Ten people were injured in the attack. Crean, 32, confronted the assailant, armed with a large kitchen knife described as resembling a “Japanese sword,” to allow other passengers to seek safety.
“He had a great big oversized kitchen knife – it was as if it was a Japanese sword or something. He came towards me and said to me, ‘Do you want to die?'” Crean recalled. He successfully diverted the attacker’s attention, enabling others to close a buffet door and hide.
Crean sustained injuries including stabs to his left hand, three to his back, one to his bottom, and two to his head. He hid in a toilet until armed police arrived, who cautiously apprehended the suspect while ensuring crean’s safety. “They opened the door just for me, it was clever.They didn’t open the whole train, or else he’s going to get off,” Crean stated.
Following treatment at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge, where he was discharged Sunday morning, Crean discovered Ryanair would not refund his flight. He anticipates needing plastic surgery for injuries to his fingers and has received stitches for wounds to his head, back, and arms. ”I got caught on my fingers. He took a swing at this, and a swing at that. I got caught on the head… I was lucky,” he said. “I’m going to need plastic surgery. One finger doesn’t look clever. I’ve had stitches on them all.”
Despite his injuries, Crean expressed a sense of duty, stating, “probably not many people would’ve done it, but then you’re leaving people behind you vulnerable.”
A JustGiving page established by Nottingham Forest fans to support crean’s recovery has raised over £59,000, boosted by a £10,000 donation from the club itself. Nottingham Forest has also offered Crean a complimentary season ticket and an invitation to travel with the squad to a Europa League match, including accommodation and access to the director’s box.
Anthony Williams, 32, from Peterborough, has been charged with 10 counts of attempted murder in connection with the attack.
