Image: from TVBS World Taiwan X@tvbsworldtaiwan
By Open Chronicle Staff with Agencies
At least three people were killed and five others injured on Friday following a series of coordinated attacks involving smoke bombs and stabbings at two major metro stations in Taipei. The suspect, a 27-year-old man, is also dead after reportedly jumping from a building to evade arrest.
Chaos at Taipei Main and Zhongshan Stations
Taiwanese authorities described the incidents at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station as “a deliberate act.” According to Premier Cho Jung-tai, the attacker, wearing a gas mask and a bulletproof vest, hurled “five or six gasoline bombs or smoke grenades” at Taipei Main Station, filling the underground halls with thick white smoke.
Witnesses described a scene of confusion and terror. One witness told local network EBC News that they initially believed the event was a drill until they saw a man wielding a knife. “Someone ran out wearing a gas mask and started throwing canisters that released gas,” another witness reported. “I didn’t hear any explosions, but a lot of gas kept spraying out.”
Heroism Amid the Violence
During the rampage, one individual was killed while attempting to subdue the attacker at Taipei Main Station. Mayor Chiang Wan-an praised the victim’s bravery during a press conference. “Unfortunately, he was attacked and passed away… we are all deeply saddened,” the mayor stated.
The Taipei City Fire Department confirmed that a total of four people died, including the 27-year-old suspect. The Premier noted that victims suffered various injuries, including stab wounds, blunt force trauma, and cardiac arrest.
Suspect Background and Investigation
Mayor Chiang revealed that the suspect was wanted for evading military service. Following the attacks, the suspect reportedly committed suicide by jumping from a building as police closed in.
President Lai Ching-te addressed the nation, vowing that authorities would “quickly clarify the details of the case” and that there would be “no leniency” in the investigation to ensure citizen safety.
Island on High Alert
While violent crime is exceptionally rare in Taiwan, the incident has evoked memories of a 2014 stabbing spree on the Taipei metro that killed four people. In response to Friday’s events, the government has ramped up security across the island.
“All important locations… including railway stations, highways, subway stations, and airports are maintaining a high level of alert and vigilance,” Premier Cho told reporters.
Images from the scene released by the Central News Agency showed forensic teams examining canisters and evidence markers in the smoke-stained corridors of the Main Station as the city struggles to process the tragedy.