What began as a routine rush-hour journey quickly descended into confusion and terror—an incident that investigators are now racing to fully understand.

Authorities say there were subtle signs of unusual activity near the station earlier in the day, moments that only later appeared to foreshadow a carefully orchestrated act of violence. Still, nothing prepared commuters for what unfolded next.

Panic swept through Taipei on a busy morning when violence erupted inside the city’s main railway hub. According to preliminary information, a suspect ignited smoke devices within the station, causing thick clouds to spread and triggering mass confusion among travelers.

As crowds attempted to escape the smoke-filled areas, the situation escalated dramatically. A knife attack followed, leaving at least three people dead and five others wounded.