TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei will conduct a high-intensity security drill at MRT City Hall Station on Friday (Dec. 26) following a deadly attack that killed four people at two metro stations earlier this month. Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) announced on Monday that multiple government departments will conduct a simulated attack to enhance public transportation security ahead of New Year's Eve festivities. The drill aims to enhance police presence and emergency response protocols across the city's metro system.
The drill responds to attacks at Taipei Main Station and Zhongshan Station on Dec. 19 that killed four people and injured 11 others. Chiang said the city is considering using cell broadcasts to alert the public during future incidents. However, Interior Minister Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) cautioned that officials need precise technological data and scope parameters to avoid triggering unnecessary panic among residents.
The Taipei City Government plans to assist victims through the Association for Victims Support (AVS, 犯罪被害者保護協會), insurance claims, and compensation programs. Taipei's Department of Legal Affairs (法務局), the city's legal administrative body, is coordinating donations and resources for victims and their families. A motorcyclist killed near Eslite Spectrum Nanxi Store (誠品南西店) may receive up to NT$1.8 million (around US$57,143) in victim compensation despite potentially not qualifying for insurance from Eslite or Taipei Metro.
The Department of Legal Affairs reiterated its commitment to consolidating all donations and resources to provide comprehensive support to victims and their families. Chiang emphasized the city's dual focus on enhancing metro security through emergency drills and providing robust financial and psychological support for those affected by the deadly attacks. ◼
