4 People Dead, 9 Injured After Terrifying Attack at Train Station

At least four people are dead and several others were injured following a shocking mass knife attack in Taiwan that unfolded across multiple locations in the capital city.

The violence began on Friday, December 19, at Taipei’s main train station, where smoke bombs were set off during what authorities described as a random knife attack. The chaos then spread to nearby Zhongshan Station. According to Reuters, four people were killed during the rampage, including the attacker.

Taiwan’s National Police Agency confirmed that nine additional people were injured. Victims suffered stab wounds and head injuries and were taken to local hospitals for treatment, Premier Cho Jung-tai said.

“The suspect wore a mask and deliberately threw petrol bombs and smoke bombs before randomly attacking people, causing many injuries,” Jung-tai said in a translated Facebook post.

Authorities believe the attacks at both stations were carried out by a single suspect, identified as 27-year-old Chang Wen, who later died during a police pursuit. Reuters reported that Wen jumped from a building while fleeing officers.

According to ABC News, Wen had also damaged multiple vehicles and set fire to his residence before launching the stabbing spree. National Police Agency Director-General Chang Jung-Hsin said the attack appeared to be carefully planned and indiscriminate.

“The suspect planned an attack without specific targets and acted according to that plan,” Jung-Hsin said.

In response to the violence, police quickly increased security and visibility across Taipei and other parts of Taiwan. Local authorities implemented additional preventive measures, especially at transportation hubs, as a precaution. The motive for the attack has not yet been determined.

Premier Jung-tai urged law enforcement to remain on high alert nationwide and promised full government support for the victims, their families, and volunteers who assisted during the incident.

President Lai Ching-te also addressed the tragedy, offering condolences to the victims’ families and thanking first responders and medical teams for their efforts.

“I would like to express my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in last night’s horrific attack,” he said in a statement. He also praised bystanders who intervened to prevent further harm and called for a thorough investigation into the suspect’s background, motives, and whether anyone else was involved.