At least three people are dead and five others injured after a 27-year-old man carried out a violent knife attack across two major metro stations in Taipei during Friday’s evening rush hour.
The suspect, who later died after falling from a building, sparked chaos in the capital by detonating smoke bombs and Molotov cocktails at Taipei Main Station.
He then fled toward a nearby shopping district, stabbing commuters along the way.
According to Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai, the violence began at the city’s central transport hub.
After setting off smoke devices, the attacker moved to a second station approximately 800 meters away.
Witnesses described a scene of pure panic. Social media videos showed commuters fleeing as smoke filled the underground corridors.
One man who bravely attempted to stop the attacker was struck with a blunt object; he later died from his injuries in the hospital.
Taiwanese authorities have moved quickly to secure the city. Premier Cho has ordered immediate security upgrades at:
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All metro and railway stations
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Major airports
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Public transport hubs
President William Lai promised a swift and thorough investigation into the suspect’s background. “We will determine his motives and if there are any other connected factors,” the Premier added.
Violent crime is exceptionally rare in Taiwan.
This is the deadliest incident of its kind in Taipei since 2014, when a similar subway attack left four people dead. While the motive remains unknown, the tragedy has deeply shaken a city known for its safety.
