The man suspected of causing an explosion on a commuter train on July 7 in Taipei on Friday told authorities that he acted alone, police investigators said.
Lin Ying-chang (林英昌), 55, was quoted by police as saying he set off the explosive device by himself and that he had no accomplices.
The statement was consistent with the initial findings of a police investigation following the explosion that injured 25 people, including Lin.
The bomb went off in the sixth car of a commuter train as the train was pulling into Songshan Station.
Lin was unconscious for days while receiving treatment at a hospital after the blast, but despite still being weak, he was well enough to speak to police on Friday, investigators said.
After an assessment by doctors at Taipei Medical University Hospital, police decided to question the suspect, and began at 4pm.
They described him as cooperative, although he seemed fragile and spoke slowly, which they said prolonged the process.
After the interview, police said they were still trying to ascertain his motives for setting off the explosives.
During questioning, Lin allegedly said he simply wanted to draw attention, without explaining why, and added that he was surprised the explosion was so powerful.
Lin was identified by police as the main suspect on July 8 after GPS information led investigators to his van and surveillance cameras at various locations apparently showed Lin carrying a canvas bag identical to the one police found in the train’s bathroom after the explosion occurred.
When police searched Lin’s van, which was found in Nantou County, they discovered a will written by the suspect that said he had been bothered by an illness and wanted to die.
After comparing Lin’s DNA with the DNA evidence found on the pipe bomb, the Criminal Investigation Bureau concluded that it was Lin who brought the pipe bomb on board the train.
Based on the will found in Lin’s van, police said they suspected he had expected to be killed by the explosion.
He has been treated for tonsil cancer and mental illness and faced financial difficulties in recent years, they said.
Several of the wounded passengers on the train said they saw Lin holding a long, pipe-like device.
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