TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — A 19-year-old nursing student, surnamed Hong, attacked passengers with a knife on the Taichung Metro (TMRT, 台中捷運) on Tuesday (May 21), injuring himself and two others.
The incident, which took place as Hong traveled from Kaohsiung to Taichung with three knives, has left authorities and the public searching for answers.
Hong, a nursing student from a medical college in Kaohsiung, was reportedly on an internship, with a patient's family member having expressed gratitude for his care in April.
Despite his commitment to the nursing profession, as evidenced by a Facebook post where he hoped to "not forget the vows made today" and "be there for those in need," Hong had taken a two-month leave from his hospital internship allegedly due to adaptation issues.
The young man's journey from Kaohsiung to Taichung, armed and intent on violence, marks a stark departure from his previously praised role in healthcare.
The reasons behind Hong's drastic actions remain unclear, with investigations ongoing. His background in nursing and the sudden shift to violence have sparked discussions on the pressures faced by healthcare students and professionals.