A suspect died after falling from a building following a series of attacks involving smoke bombs, petrol bombs and a knife at Taipei Main Station during the evening rush hour on Friday (Dec 19), Taiwanese media reported. At least two people were killed and seven others injured in the attacks.
The incident began at around 5.24pm when the suspect allegedly threw a smoke bomb outside the M8 exit of the Bannan MRT line, causing a loud bang and thick, acrid smoke. Commuters mistook it for a fire and fled in panic. The suspect then moved to the nearby M7 exit and entered the underground concourse, where he reportedly ignited a petrol bomb outside a coffee shop and threw additional smoke bombs, triggering further chaos.
A 57-year-old man surnamed Yu was stabbed in the back while attempting to stop the suspect. He collapsed at the scene and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Several other members of the public suffered injuries, including smoke inhalation.
CCTV footage and witness accounts showed the suspect wearing a professional gas mask throughout the attacks. Smoke spread rapidly through station exits and onto the Bannan line platform, prompting Taipei Metro to activate emergency procedures, including skipping station stops and broadcasting evacuation instructions.
About 20 minutes later, the suspect reportedly carried out further random knife attacks near Zhongshan MRT station, injuring four to five pedestrians. He then ran into a nearby shopping mall, where police eventually surrounded him. The suspect fell from an upper floor and died at the scene.
According to sources, the 27-year-old suspect, Chang Wen, was reportedly wanted by the local prosecutor’s office for obstructing military service.
(Updated 9.09pm)
