In a scene reminiscent of a Hollywood blockbuster, a masked gang executed a brazen daylight heist on an Italian highway, blowing up an armoured security van with explosives. The dramatic incident unfolded in the Puglia region, where thieves dressed in black and white halted a Battistolli security vehicle, detonating a bomb that tore through the armoured exterior.
Chaos and Gunfire Erupt on Highway
Video footage shared by the Puglia Daily captures the criminals, armed with rifles, as they set off the explosion, sending smoke and debris billowing into the air. In the ensuing chaos, the thieves rushed to snatch the van's contents, though the exact amount of stolen cash remains undisclosed. The group, consisting of at least six individuals, engaged in a fierce shootout with the Carabinieri, Italy's police force, resulting in one officer sustaining injuries.
Italian Defence Minister Responds
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto described the event as "a bloody incident" but noted that no members of the public were harmed during the attack. Local media reports indicate that the criminals also ambushed and robbed other vehicles stopped on the highway, adding to the turmoil.
Arrests and Charges Filed
In the aftermath, a manhunt led to the arrest of two suspects, aged 38 and 62. They face a slew of serious charges, including attempted murder, aggravated robbery, and possession of war weapons, according to Italy's public broadcaster RAI. The wounded officer is currently receiving treatment in a hospital, with his condition under close monitoring.
History of Attacks on Security Vans
The Battistolli security company revealed that this "shocking" incident marks the 14th attack on its transport vans over the past two years. In a statement, the company expressed solidarity with affected colleagues and bystanders, while urgently calling for enhanced security measures on Italian roads to prevent future occurrences.
This heist highlights ongoing challenges in combating organized crime in Italy, with authorities continuing their investigation into the network behind the attack. The brazen nature of the robbery has sparked widespread concern, underscoring the need for robust law enforcement responses to such violent crimes.
