Statement from Cllr Peter McDonald, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council:
“On behalf of Cambridgeshire County Council, I want to pay tribute to the extraordinary bravery shown by Mr Samir Zitouni, known to many as ‘Sam’, a customer experience host for London North Eastern Railway (LNER), during the major incident that unfolded on the east coast main line and at Huntingdon station on Saturday, 1 November 2025. In a moment of great danger, Sam put the safety of others before his own. Thanks to his courage and presence of mind, lives were saved.
“This is definitely a case of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Sam embodies the very best of our community spirit, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. Our thoughts are with him and his family at this difficult time.
“I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all those who responded that evening including: Sam’s LNER colleagues, particularly the driver, Andrew Johnson, Network Rail and station employees, the British Transport Police, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, the East of England Ambulance Service and Cambridgeshire’s NHS hospitals as well as members of our community here in the county, who stepped forward to help. Your swift actions, professionalism and care kept people safe and provided reassurance in the face of fear.
“Cambridgeshire is immensely proud of and grateful to you all. Thank you for your service, your compassion, and your bravery.”
