Taipei metro attacks: Smoke grenades, stabbing rampage kill 3, trigger security alert across Taiwan

The incident, which unfolded during peak hours, sent commuters fleeing through smoke-filled underground passages and triggered a massive security response across the island.

Authorities said the attacks began at Taipei Main Station, one of the city’s busiest transport hubs, before spreading to nearby underground shopping areas and Zhongshan station.

Thick white smoke engulfed parts of the metro network after the attacker hurled multiple smoke devices, creating panic and confusion as passengers struggled to escape.

Suspect dies after apparent suicide

Officials confirmed that the suspected attacker, a 27-year-old man, also died after the rampage.

According to Taipei city authorities, the suspect jumped from a building while attempting to evade arrest, in what was described as an apparent suicide.

Police later revealed that he had been wanted for evading mandatory military service.

Emergency services reported that a total of four deaths were recorded, including the suspect.

Several victims suffered stab wounds and blunt-force injuries, while others went into cardiac arrest amid the chaos.

At least 11 people were hospitalised, according to revised police figures released on Saturday.

Heroic attempt ends in tragedy

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said one of the victims lost his life while trying to stop the attacker at Taipei Main Station.

The mayor described the moment as deeply tragic, noting that the individual intervened in an effort to protect others before being fatally wounded.

Images released by Taiwan’s Central News Agency showed a smoke canister abandoned on the station floor as forensic officers examined the scene.

Videos circulating on social media captured dense smoke clouds billowing through underground corridors as stunned commuters watched from a distance.

Leaders call attack ‘deliberate’, motive unclear

Premier Cho Jung-tai and President Lai Ching-te both described the violence as a deliberate act, though officials stressed that the motive remains under investigation.

Police believe the suspect acted alone and appeared to have planned the attack to randomly target civilians.

Knife attacker hurls multiple smoke bombs in Taipei metro station. Photo: Screen-grab from X

President Lai visited injured victims in the hospital on Saturday, offering condolences to grieving families and promising transparency.

He ordered a full public inquiry, vowing that authorities would provide a complete account of what happened and ensure accountability.

Security tightened across Taiwan

In response to the attacks, Taiwanese authorities moved swiftly to heighten security nationwide.

Police patrols were increased at transport hubs, airports, highways and other sensitive locations, with officials urging vigilance but calling for calm.

President Lai also instructed law enforcement agencies to strengthen rapid response units, emphasising the need for quicker arrival times and enhanced counter-terrorism training to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Rare violence rattles the island

Violent crime remains uncommon in Taiwan, making Friday’s metro attacks particularly jarring for the public.

The last comparable incident occurred in 2014, when a stabbing spree on the Taipei metro left four people dead, an event that profoundly shook the island’s reputation for safety.

As investigators piece together the suspect’s movements and intentions, the attacks have reopened difficult questions about public security, emergency response readiness and the vulnerabilities of crowded urban transit systems in one of Asia’s safest societies.