Taiwan Attack: 3 Dead, 5 Injured After Armed Man Went On Knife Rampage In Central Taipei

Taipei: A horrific mass knife attack was reported in Taiwan's capital Taipei on Friday, leaving at least 3 people dead and 9 others severely injured at the main train station. According to reports, the attacker, identified as a 27-year-old man, Chang Wen, released smoke bombs at a crowded shopping district before going on a knife rampage at the busy shopping district. 

The Taiwan police officials stated that the accused, Chang had a prior criminal record and outstanding warrants, and police have searched his home. He was found wearing what appeared to be body armour and a mask, and likely possessed petrol bombs. The officials described the attack as indiscriminate and said that the investigators will probe the accused's background and relationships to understand his motives.

As per reports, one of the victims, who received severe injuries, is fighting for life at the hospital. The attack is highly unusual for Taiwan, where violent crime is rare. The police are probing the incident to ascertain the if there are other connected factors. 

According to reports, Chang, wearing a gas mask and black clothing, first struck near the Taipei Main metro station, throwing smoke grenades and attacking passersby with a sharp object. He then made his way to the Eslite Spectrum Nanxi department store, where he continued his violent spree, stabbing multiple people.

A heroic 57-year-old man, who tried to intervene at the metro station, was fatally wounded. 

The accused, Chang was found dead at a hospital after jumping from the department store's 6th floor. The police are investigating possible motives and searching for any accomplices. They recovered lethal weapons from his rental home and hotel room.

As per reports, Chang had failed to report for reserve military training in November 2024 and was wanted for violating military service laws. The attack has shocked the city, with Mayor Chiang Wan-an praising the bravery of those who tried to stop the attacker.
 

As per reports, the accused, Chang died during a police chase after falling from a building.

Further details regarding the incident are awaited.