TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A woman stabbed a passenger who was waiting at a Taipei MRT station on Tuesday.
Police received a report around 5:50 p.m. that a female passenger had been attacked by another woman on the platform of Shipai Station, per CNA. The victim sustained stab wounds to her shoulder and back but remained conscious, and emergency responders took her to the hospital.
According to an investigation, the 42-year-old victim, surnamed Chen (陳), had been waiting on a bench at the train platform when she was suddenly attacked from behind. The suspect was a 40-year-old woman surnamed Lin (林).
The stabbing left a 2 to 3-cm wound on Chen's back. There was blood at the scene, but Chen's wounds were not deemed life-threatening.
Security and bystanders subdued the suspect. Officers from the Taipei City Police Department's Rapid Transit Division and Beitou Precinct arrested Lin and took her to the Shipai Police Station for questioning.
Police said that Lin and the victim were strangers. Lin appeared mentally unstable after the assault.
Following questioning, Lin will be transferred to the Shilin District Prosecutors Office for investigation of assault under the Criminal Code. The Taipei Rapid Transit Corporation said a fine of NT$100,000 (US$3,000) will be imposed on Lin for breaching the Mass Rapid Transit Act, per TVBS.
Police urged MRT passengers to remain aware of their surroundings. If faced with a knife attack, passengers should evade by moving in a circular path.
Passengers can use personal items like bags or books to protect vital areas of the body. Items such as umbrellas or jackets can also prevent an attacker from approaching.
Passengers are reminded not to bring knives or dangerous items onto the MRT. Violators may be refused service by Taipei Metro and may face charges under the Social Order Maintenance Act or criminal charges for offenses against public safety.
Police said that if passengers witness illegal activity, they can press the red emergency intercom button next to the platform elevators or inside train cars to request assistance from station staff or the train operator. They can also dial 110 to report incidents to the police.
