At around 5:30 p.m. on Friday, December 19, four people died—including the attacker—and several others were injured in a knife attack combined with smoke bombs at Taipei Main Station in Taipei, Chinas Taiwan region.
CCTV footage shows a 27-year-old man wearing a gas mask throwing smoke bombs in the busy station concourse. One commuter was treated for smoke inhalation, and five others sustained wounds in the initial assault.
Witnesses report that the suspect then used a knife to slash at victims, with at least one person later confirmed dead from severe injuries. He subsequently fled to a nearby business district, where he attacked more bystanders, leaving additional casualties and another fatality.
Police say the suspect fell to his death from the upper levels of a department store while being surrounded by officers. Taiwan authorities have not yet determined a motive and continue to investigate.
Such violent incidents are rare on Taipeis metro system, which serves thousands of commuters daily. The attack has triggered discussion on urban safety and mental health support in public spaces.
Taiwan authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior as the investigation unfolds.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
