Memorial plaque installed at Taipei Main Station to honour stabbing victim Yu Chia-chang

Taipei Rapid Transit Corp (TRTC) on 13 January announced the installation of a memorial plaque at Taipei Main Station to commemorate Yu Chia-chang, who died while attempting to stop an attacker during a mass stabbing incident on 19 December, 2025.

The plaque, now fixed along the underground passage leading to Exit M8, acknowledges Yu's sacrifice and is intended as a permanent tribute to his bravery.

According to a TRTC news release, the plaque is titled "Memorial to Mr Yu Chia-chang’s Heroic Sacrifice" and describes Yu’s actions in both Chinese and English. The text states that “he acted with selfless bravery to save others,” and concludes, “His righteous deed moves us deeply, and his spirit will live on in our hearts forever.”

Yu, a resident of Taoyuan, suffered fatal injuries after intervening to stop 27-year-old Chang Wen, who launched a violent attack inside the Taipei MRT system. Chang had thrown smoke grenades in Taipei Main Station before stabbing several bystanders near MRT Zhongshan Station.

After fleeing the scene, Chang was pursued by police and ultimately fell to his death from the rooftop of a nearby department store.

The memorial unveiling ceremony was attended by Taipei Deputy Mayor Lin Yi-hua, TRTC Chairperson Chao Shiao-lien, and other officials. In their remarks, they acknowledged the courage shown by Yu, whose actions may have prevented further casualties.

The company emphasised that the plaque's placement in a high-traffic corridor requires the passage to remain clear. Members of the public were asked not to leave flowers or other tributes at the site to ensure the area remains safe and accessible.

The attack last month shocked many across Taiwan and prompted increased discussions around public safety in mass transit systems. The Taipei MRT system is generally regarded as one of the safest and most efficient in Asia, and such violent incidents are extremely rare.

In the days following the attack, Yu Chia-chang was hailed in local media and by government figures as a hero. His death prompted a surge of public mourning and calls for a formal recognition of his actions.

Although Chang Wen's motives remain under investigation, authorities indicated no known affiliation with extremist groups. A police report suggested signs of mental instability, but official conclusions have not yet been released.

TRTC has not announced whether further commemorative measures will be taken but stated that Yu’s legacy of selflessness will be preserved in public memory through the plaque.