TAIPEI (TVBS News) — A seemingly random knife attack at a busy Taipei subway station has left one woman injured and raised concerns about public transportation safety in Taiwan's capital. The assault occurred Tuesday (April 15) evening at Taipei Metro Shipai Station (台北捷運石牌站) when a female assailant attacked another woman waiting on the platform. Medical personnel transported the victim to a nearby hospital, where doctors report her condition has stabilized.
The violence erupted during evening rush hour at approximately 5:50 p.m. when a 40-year-old woman surnamed Lin suddenly stabbed a 42-year-old woman surnamed Chen, inflicting a 2- to 3-centimeter laceration on the victim's back. Alert passengers and station security personnel quickly restrained the assailant until officers from the Rapid Transit Division (捷運警察隊), a specialized transit police unit, and Beitou Precinct (北投警分局) arrived to take her into custody. Police investigators determined the women had no prior relationship, noting the suspect appeared confused during preliminary questioning.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (台北市長蔣萬安) responded swiftly to the incident, publishing a statement on Facebook expressing deep concern for public safety. The mayor directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation while instructing both the Taipei Metro Corporation and transit police to strengthen security measures throughout the system. Law enforcement officials have advised commuters to maintain heightened awareness and, if necessary, use personal belongings as defensive shields during potential knife attacks.
Transit authorities have issued a public reminder about strict prohibitions against carrying knives and other dangerous implements on the mass rapid transit system, emphasizing that violators face serious legal penalties. Officials encourage passengers to immediately report suspicious behavior by activating platform emergency buttons or dialing Taiwan's police emergency number, 110, to ensure rapid response from law enforcement personnel. ★
