A series of violent attacks at two metro stations in Taiwan's capital, Taipei, left at least eight people injured on Wednesday, with three victims suffering cardiac arrest. The assailant used smoke grenades and a knife in the coordinated assaults, sending shockwaves across the island.
Chaos at Taipei Main Station and Another Location
According to Taiwan's Premier, Cho Jung-tai, the attacks occurred at two separate metro locations, including the busy Taipei Main Station. The suspect, described as wearing a mask, reportedly hurled "five or six gasoline bombs or smoke grenades" to create panic and confusion before launching a knife attack on commuters.
Three individuals from the two attack sites are currently in a state of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, a critical medical condition. The five other injured victims sustained wounds from stabbings and blunt force trauma to various parts of their bodies, as confirmed by Premier Cho in a statement to reporters.
Suspect Critically Injured After Fall
In a dramatic turn of events, the suspect also suffered severe injuries. Premier Cho stated that the individual fell from a building and was found in a state of cardiac arrest. The motive behind the shocking attacks remains unclear, with authorities launching a full-scale investigation to determine the cause.
In response to the incidents, security has been significantly heightened across Taiwan. All major transportation hubs, including railway stations, highways, subway stations, and airports, are now on high alert. The government has assured the public that measures are being taken to prevent further violence and ensure safety.
Island-Wide Security Response
The attacks have prompted an immediate and widespread security clampdown. "Currently, all important locations… are maintaining a high level of alert and vigilance," Premier Cho emphasized. This incident highlights concerns over public safety in crowded urban transit systems and the potential for copycat actions.
As emergency services tend to the wounded and investigators piece together the sequence of events, the people of Taipei are left grappling with the aftermath of an unprecedented act of violence in their city's vital metro network. The condition of the three cardiac arrest victims and the suspect remains a primary concern for authorities.
