TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — In a swift response to a violent incident on the Taichung Metro (TMRT), Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen (盧秀燕) announced on Wednesday (May 22) that two heroic citizens will receive lifetime free rides on the metro.
The announcement came after a 20-year-old nursing student, surnamed Hong, attacked passengers indiscriminately with three knives at the Taichung City Hall Station (台中市政府站) a day earlier, causing widespread panic among the city's residents.
During the chaos, passengers bravely subdued the attacker, preventing further harm. Among those who intervened, a 27-year-old man with long hair, surnamed Hsu, and a high school student, surnamed Lu, were injured.
In recognition of their courage, Mayor Lu declared they would be granted free lifetime access to the TMRT. She praised the community's bravery, stating, "Many passengers on the train acted heroically at the first sign of danger, working together to subdue the suspect and minimize harm."
Furthermore, Mayor Lu announced that a private medical group has pledged to donate NT$200,000 to the two injured individuals to help cover their medical expenses.
She also mentioned that all passengers who displayed bravery during the incident would be publicly commended at an upcoming security meeting, highlighting the collective effort to maintain peace and safety.