Taiwan: Two killed in smoke grenade, knife attacks at Taipei metro stations; suspect also dead

At least two people were killed in Taiwan's capital Taipei in smoke grenade and knife-attacks at two of the country's metro stations, according to country's fire department. The suspect also died after falling from a building.

"Three people were confirmed dead including the suspect," said the Taipei City Fire Department official told AFP, without elaborating. Earlier, Taiwan's Premier Cho Jung-tai had said that three people suffered cardiac arrest. It's not clear if the deceased were among these.

"Unfortunately, three people in the two locations are currently in a state of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and another five people have suffered injuries from stab wounds and blunt force trauma to various parts of their bodies," Jung-tai had told reporters.


The motive has not been determined with investigation under way.

Additionally, giving the few available details on the suspect, Cho said the suspect was wearing a mask and hurled “five or six gasoline bombs or smoke grenades” at Taipei Main Station metro.

Authorities said security measures were being stepped up across the island in response to the attacks.

“Currently, all important locations… including railway stations, highways, subway stations and airports are maintaining a high level of alert and vigilance,” he added.