A man armed with a knife went on a violent spree, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to nine others by triggering smoke bombs in a bustling area. The tragic incident unfolded near the primary metro station in Taipei, Taiwan, starting at approximately 5:20 pm local time on Friday. The attacker, identified as 27-year-old Chang Wen, initiated the chaos by detonating smoke bombs and Molotov cocktails at the underground exit of Taipei Main Station, as confirmed by Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-tai. Witnesses described hearing multiple muted explosions, followed by the station filling with orange smoke carrying a chemical odor, causing distress among commuters. Additionally, the assailant indiscriminately stabbed pedestrians, causing a commotion and panic among those present.
Subsequently, the perpetrator moved around 800 meters north to Zhongshan Station, where he continued his rampage by deploying more smoke bombs and attacking passersby, predominantly targeting their necks, within the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store across the first and fourth floors, according to the Central News Agency.
The violent outburst resulted in the loss of three lives, with nine individuals requiring hospitalization, including one in critical condition, as per the city government’s statement. Tragically, a Taipei Metro employee succumbed to cardiac arrest due to smoke inhalation. Another victim was found deceased near the department store, while a third individual who attempted to intervene and stop the suspect was fatally stabbed at the station exit, as disclosed by Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an to local media.
An eyewitness recounted her encounter with the assailant outside the store, where she described feeling an impact rather than a cut when he struck her while she awaited her daughter. She expressed witnessing individuals on the ground requiring urgent medical assistance due to bleeding.
Chang was sought by authorities for evading mandatory military service after skipping reserve military training in November 2024, as reported by the Central News Agency.