Train Bomber Speaks: Underestimated Power of Bomb

A man who detonated a bomb on a commuter train in Taipei July 7 has been able to talk to police after being taken out of critical care.

Lin Ying-chang, 55, told police he made the bomb using principles he had learned playing with matches as a child. He said he bought firecrackers and used scissors to cut them open to remove the gunpowder. He made the detonation device using the scratch-pad of a matchbox and a match head, which he clipped together and carried separately.

Lin boarded the train at Banciao Station and entered the train toilet where he inserted the detonator and completed final assembly of his crude explosive. He had originally intended to detonate the device at Taipei Station but had lost his nerve. He finally detonated the device when the train was approaching Songshan Station.

Lin claimed he carried out his act to get attention. He was unemployed and depressed. The bomber said he had underestimated the power of his bomb, and had only intended to frighten people. He said he felt regret after he saw all of the injured people. Twenty-five people were injured in the incident.

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