A wave of terror struck Taipei’s metro system Friday, leaving at least three people dead and five injured in a series of coordinated attacks involving smoke bombs and stabbings. The attacks unfolded at two key stations – Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan station – plunging the city into a state of shock and triggering a massive security response.
Authorities have confirmed the suspect, a 27-year-old man, is also dead. He evaded police pursuit following the attacks, ultimately taking his own life by jumping from a building. The premier of Taiwan has declared the attacks a deliberate act, though the underlying motive remains under intense investigation.
The initial assault at Taipei Main Station involved the suspect deploying “five or six gasoline bombs or smoke grenades,” according to officials. Chaos erupted as passengers scrambled for safety amidst the smoke and the threat of further violence. Witnesses described a scene of sudden panic and confusion.
One courageous individual attempted to intervene, rushing towards the attacker in a desperate effort to subdue him. Tragically, this act of bravery proved fatal, as the man was attacked and succumbed to his injuries. The mayor of Taipei expressed profound sadness over the loss, acknowledging the victim’s selfless heroism.
Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the unfolding events. One individual described seeing a person wearing a gas mask and bulletproof vest throwing canisters that released a thick, choking gas. Another reported a constant “banging and clanging sound” as the suspect continued to deploy the devices.
Emergency responders arrived to find multiple victims suffering from stab wounds, blunt force trauma, and cardiac arrest. The attacks prompted an immediate and widespread increase in security measures across Taiwan, with heightened vigilance at critical infrastructure points like railway stations, highways, airports, and other subway stations.
Images circulating from the scene show canisters scattered on the floor of Taipei Main Station, as investigators meticulously gather evidence. A chilling video captured the aftermath, revealing a dense cloud of white smoke engulfing an underground section of the metro, with terrified passengers observing from a distance.
President Lai Ching-te has vowed a swift and thorough investigation, promising no leniency for those responsible and reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety of its citizens. This incident echoes a similar, horrific attack in 2014, when a stabbing spree on the Taipei metro claimed four lives, a grim reminder of the fragility of peace.
The island, known for its relative safety and low levels of violent crime, is now grappling with the aftermath of this unprecedented act of terror. The focus remains on understanding the attacker’s motives and providing support to the victims and their families.
