Smoke bombs and stabbings at Taipei metro stations kill three; suspect dead

Deadly Taipei metro attacks

Attacks involving smoke bombs and stabbings at Taipei metro stations on Friday left at least three people dead, the city’s fire department said, adding that the suspect had also died.

Taiwan’s Premier Cho Jung-tai said the incidents at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan station were “a deliberate act”, though the motive remained unclear.

In a statement, Cho said the suspect was masked and threw “five or six gasoline bombs or smoke grenades” at Taipei Main Station.

The Taipei City Fire Department said four people were confirmed dead in total, including the suspect, a 27-year-old man. Five others were injured.

The city’s mayor said the suspect had apparently jumped from a building and was wanted for evading military service.

Mayor Chiang Wan-an said one victim was killed while attempting to stop the attack at the Main Station.

“Unfortunately, he was attacked and passed away... we are all deeply saddened,” Chiang told reporters.

A witness of the attack at the Main Station told local network EBC News that he had seen a "man rush up and try and subdue" the attacker, who was "wearing a gas mask and a bulletproof vest".

"At first I thought it was a drill, then I saw a person holding a knife and throwing smoke grenades," said the witness, who did not give his name.

The mayor said that "we understand that the suspect committed suicide by jumping from a building to evade arrest, and has been confirmed dead."

A second witness told EBC News that "someone ran out wearing a gas mask and started throwing canisters that released gas."

"I quickly ran away. He kept throwing them behind me. I didn't count how many (canisters) but there was a constant banging and clanging sound," added the witness, who also did not give his name.

"I didn't hear any explosions, but a lot of gas kept spraying out."

Cho, the island's premier, 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," Cho told reporters.

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 will "quickly clarify the details of the case. 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.