New Taipei City, Taiwan — January 3, 2026
A 15-year-old boy has been taken into custody after allegedly starting a small fire inside Dingxi MRT Station in New Taipei City on the morning of January 3 before fleeing the scene aboard a train. The case has been referred to the Juvenile Court of the New Taipei District Court for further handling.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 7:55 a.m. when the teenager entered Dingxi MRT Station and is suspected of igniting a piece of tissue paper before tossing it into a trash bin inside the station. The burning material caused garbage in the bin to smolder, producing smoke.
Station staff quickly noticed smoke rising from the trash can and immediately extinguished the fire. Authorities confirmed that damage was limited to minor charring inside the bin, with no injuries reported and no impact on MRT operations or facilities.
After the incident, the teenager boarded a train and left the area. MRT personnel activated the joint security notification system and alerted police. Using surveillance footage, officers traced the suspect’s travel route and later intercepted him at Yuanshan MRT Station in Taipei City.
The teen was brought to a police station for questioning, though investigators said his motive remains under review.
Police emphasized that igniting a fire in public transportation facilities poses a serious threat to public safety. After questioning, the case was transferred for prosecution under suspected violations of the Criminal Code for arson, property damage, the Mass Rapid Transit Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act.