Taipei, February 8 — A 73-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson after two separate fires broke out at men’s restrooms in Taipei MRT stations within a two-hour span on Saturday, authorities said. No injuries were reported in either incident.
The first fire was reported at around 11:53 a.m. at the men’s restroom near an exit on the B1 level of Daan Forest Park Station. The Taipei City Fire Department dispatched seven fire engines, one ambulance, and 19 firefighters to the scene. Upon arrival, firefighters found that station staff had already used fire extinguishers to control the blaze, which involved burning debris. The fire was fully extinguished by 12:02 p.m., affecting an area of approximately 0.5 square meters. No passengers or staff were injured or trapped.
However, at 1:59 p.m., the fire department received another report from Taipei Metro Corp. stating that a similar fire had occurred at the men’s restroom in Shandao Temple Station. By the time firefighters arrived, station personnel had already put out the fire, again with no injuries reported.
Police later confirmed that the first incident at Daan Forest Park Station was a case of deliberate arson. After reviewing surveillance footage, investigators tracked the suspect’s movements and discovered he had fled toward Taipei Main Station. Believing the suspect might attempt another attack, police deployed officers across major MRT stations and increased patrols.
Following the second fire report, officers rushed to the vicinity of Shandao Temple Station, where they spotted the suspect, identified by his surname Tseng, attempting to leave the station. Police quickly intercepted and arrested him at a nearby intersection.
Authorities said a petition letter was found in the suspect’s possession, and investigators are now examining its contents to determine the motive behind the alleged arson attacks. The case is currently being handled by Zhongzheng First Precinct as further questioning and legal procedures continue.