Taipei Knife Attack: Three Dead as Smoke Bombs Spark Metro Chaos
A 27-year-old man carried out a knife and smoke-bomb assault in Taipei, killing three and injuring several before dying from a fall; authorities vow a full investigation.
A violent incident disrupted Taipei's evening rush, with a man wielding a knife and releasing smoke in busy parts of the city. Officials say three people were killed and nine injured as the attacker moved between transit hubs before dying from injuries sustained in a fall.
What happened
The suspect, identified by officials as a 27-year-old man named Chang Wen, began at Taipei Main Station, releasing smoke devices before heading to Zhongshan Station, a short distance away in a crowded shopping district, where he continued the assault.
A bystander who tried to intervene was struck with a blunt object and later died in hospital.
The attacker moved through an underground mall toward Zhongshan Station, then returned to the street after a brief detour to a nearby hotel to pick up another weapon, and attacked again outside Zhongshan Station.
He later entered a bookshop and a department store before falling from a building as police closed in, dying at hospital.
Authorities say the motive remains unclear. Attacks like this are rare in Taiwan, a country with low rates of violent crime. The last major incident in Taipei occurred in 2014.
Premier Cho Jung-tai ordered stepped-up security at metro and rail stations and at airports. He said investigators would examine the suspect's background and relationships to determine possible motives and any links to other factors.
President William Lai also pledged a swift inquiry, and local media reported that the suspect had a criminal record and was wanted by authorities.
In 2014, Taipei experienced a deadly attack on an underground train, which shocked the city and ended with the perpetrator's execution two years later.
Expert view
Expert comment: Analysts say such attacks are rare in Taiwan, but they highlight the need for swift emergency coordination. The case is likely to trigger additional reviews of security at major transit hubs.
Summary
Summary: The Taipei attack disrupted life in the capital, with multiple casualties and an ongoing investigation into the suspect's motives. Authorities pledge enhanced protection for crowded transport spaces as they review the incident's context and any possible links. It recalls Taiwan's 2014 underground train attack and underscores public-safety vigilance in busy urban areas.
Key insight: In a country with low violent crime, high-impact attacks in crowded public spaces demand rapid security responses and thorough investigations. Source: BBC News.
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