Bomb squad on high alert after mysterious black backpack at MRT station, false alarm

New Taipei City’s MRT Circular Line Xinpu‑Minsheng Station recently became the focus of a public‑safety incident when an unidentified black backpack was discovered inside the station. Because security on mass‑transit systems has been under heightened scrutiny, station staff did not take the matter lightly; they immediately followed standard operating procedures and reported the situation to the local police. Upon receiving the call, officers promptly secured the area with a cordon, controlled the flow of passengers, and summoned the Ministry of the Interior’s National Police Agency Criminal Police Bureau Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team for assistance. After a careful assessment by the specialists, the backpack was transferred at noon into an explosive‑proof container, later confirmed to be harmless, and the cordon was lifted. Police are now reviewing surveillance footage to trace the bag’s origin and identify its owner.

The incident occurred in Banqiao District, a major transportation hub. Xinpu‑Minsheng Station, a key stop on the Circular Line, handles heavy commuter traffic and complex pedestrian flows. On the day in question, station personnel conducting routine patrols—or responding to a passenger report—noticed a solitary black backpack placed in a public area such as a platform or concourse, with no one claiming it for an extended period. Under current stringent domestic and international standards for public‑space security, any unattended object is treated as a potential threat. MRT staff demonstrated heightened vigilance by refraining from moving the bag themselves and immediately notifying the MRT police unit and the local precinct, thereby activating emergency response protocols to protect travelers.

Following the report, police forces arrived swiftly, erected a barrier to restrict access to the surrounding zone, and directed passengers to alternate routes. In accordance with reporting procedures, they also contacted the Criminal Police Bureau’s EOD squad, which dispatched trained personnel and equipment to the site. When unidentified explosives or suspicious items are found in mass‑transit environments, the involvement of an EOD team is a critical safeguard. Wearing heavy protective gear, the EOD officers performed an initial visual inspection and X‑ray analysis of the backpack. At 12:44 p.m., they carefully placed the bag into an explosive‑proof container, diffusing the tension on site.

After the backpack was secured and subjected to further testing, authorities confirmed that it contained no explosives or other hazardous material. The police then lifted the cordon, and normal station operations and passenger flow resumed. Although the scare was short‑lived, the response mobilized considerable police manpower and specialized EOD resources, giving commuters a brief but palpable reminder of public‑safety concerns. The daily ridership of the transit system numbers in the tens of thousands, and any anomaly can trigger widespread sensitivity. The swift resolution of this event showcases the effectiveness of current security and MRT protection networks, while also highlighting potential gaps in the management of unattended items in public spaces.

Even after the bag was deemed safe, police work continued. To determine whether the black backpack was simply forgotten by a passenger or linked to another issue, investigators are reviewing CCTV footage from inside and outside the station, aiming to identify who placed the bag there and when. According to transportation regulations, passengers are required to keep personal belongings under control; abandoning or neglecting items in public areas not only wastes police and municipal resources but may also violate relevant laws or incite public panic. Authorities urge commuters to safeguard their luggage while using public transport and to report any suspicious persons or objects to station staff or police promptly, thereby jointly maintaining the safety and smooth operation of the transit system.

(Source: Central News Agency)