Taiwan knife attack horror leaves 2 dead and several others in hospital | World | News
This is the moment of horror in Taiwan when a knifeman went on a deadly rampage on a busy street, killing two people and leaving several others in hospital. The horrific attack took place in front of the capital Taipei’s main train station at around 17.30 local time (9.30 GMT) on Friday.
It is thought that the attacker covered the exit of the station with smoke bombs, spreading a dense layer of smoke and causing some passengers to have difficulty breathing. Witnesses reported hearing several muffled explosions near the station’s exit before orange smoke containing a strong chemical odor poured into the transport center.
Panic soon ensued and many passengers were reportedly screaming as dozens of people ran out of the station with their mouths and noses covered.
One of the victims of the smoke bomb attack, a man in his 50s, was taken to hospital after suffering a heart attack, but was pronounced dead despite the efforts of paramedics at the scene, according to local news.
The attacker is thought to have then gone to Zhongshan Station, where he brandished a large, long knife and began attacking commuters near the station and at a nearby store.
It was stated that during the attack, the attacker stabbed 7 people and seriously injured 3 people.
It was announced that the suspect, who was reported to be a 27-year-old Taiwanese, committed suicide after the attack and died at the scene.
It was reported that one of the victims, who was at the police station at the time, ran towards the attacker to take the knife from him and received stab wounds in the process. Local reports claim he is in hospital in critical condition.
No information has yet been provided regarding the attacker’s motivation. The suspect reportedly set fire to a train earlier that day.
According to local broadcaster SETN, two people died and nine people were injured in the tragic attack.
Police cordoned off a large section outside Zhongshan Station as they began their investigation.
While Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced that the police presence was increased following the incidents, Minister of Transport and Communications Chen Shi-kai announced that emergency response teams were established and security measures in transportation were strengthened.
