A knife-wielding attacker has killed at least three people at metro stations in Taipei, with authorities saying the suspect also died after trying to flee police.
Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai said the attacks at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan station were “a deliberate act”, although the motive was not immediately clear.
The suspect was identified as 27-year-old Chang Wen.
Mr Cho said in a statement that the suspect wore a mask and threw “five or six gasoline bombs or smoke grenades” at Taipei Main Station.
According to the Taipei City Fire Department, a total of four people were confirmed dead including the suspect, and five others were injured.
People were evacuated from the area in downtown Taipei after the incident.
(Reuters: Ann Wang)
The city’s mayor said the suspect had apparently jumped off a building and that one of the victims was killed while trying to stop the attack at the Main Station.
“Unfortunately, he was attacked and passed away … we are all deeply saddened,” Mayor Chiang Wan-an told reporters.
“Currently, we understand that the suspect committed suicide by jumping from a building to evade arrest and has been confirmed dead,” he said.
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- Police — 000 (Triple Zero)
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636
He earlier said three people suffered cardiac arrest as a result of the attacks, and several people had “injuries from stab wounds and blunt force trauma to various parts of their bodies”.
Authorities said they were ramping up security across the island in response to the attacks.
“All important locations … including railway stations, highways, subway stations and airports are maintaining a high level of alert and vigilance,” Mr Cho said.
Police stood guard near Zhongshan station following the attack. (Reuters: Ann Wang)
Images released by Taiwan’s Central News Agency show a canister on the ground at the Main Station, with officers examining potential evidence at the scene.
A video posted on social media shows a thick cloud of white smoke covering an underground section of a metro station, with some people standing at a distance.
President Lai Ching-te said Taiwanese authorities would “quickly clarify the details of the case”.
He added: “There will be no leniency and we will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
Violent crime is rare Taiwan, though an attack in 2014 horrified the normally peaceful island when a man went on a stabbing spree on Taipei’s metro, killing four people.
He was executed for the killings in 2016.
AFP/AP
