Explosive left behind after failed ATM bombing in Zundert

The police responded to Molenstraat in Zundert in large numbers on Thursday morning due to an explosive left behind after a failed ATM bombing. Explosive experts and firefighters are also at the scene. Surrounding homes were evacuated, the police said on Twitter.

The explosive was left by two men who wanted to blow open an ATM in the center of the Noord-Brabant village sometime between 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, according to Omroep Brabant. The two suspects fled the scene on a scooter. Bystanders told the broadcaster that it involves an ABN Amro ATM.

Given the damage done during successful ATM bombings, it can be expected that this explosive poses a risk to the environment, police spokesperson Eric Passchier said to Omroep Brabant. The surrounding homes were therefore evacuated. The six, mostly elderly people, are waiting in a nearby cafe.

The suspects left various items used in ATM bombings at the scene. "All the stuff they used are still in the ATM or lying in front of it. Including an explosive", Passchier said. Explosive experts from the Ministry of Defense are currently investigating. "They are going to make a plan and disarm the explosive. Until then, part of the shopping street will remain closed."

Het centrum van Zundert is afgesloten na een mislukte plofkraak bij ABN-AMRO bank. Het explosief hebben ze achtergelaten en wordt zo onschadelijk gemaakt. pic.twitter.com/2o7h9fRgq8

— René van Hoof (@renevanhoof) June 13, 2019

Sommige mensen balen er stevig van dat centrum #Zundert is afgesloten vanwege mislukte plofkraak en explosief. Een man noemt Zundert het ‘Palermo aan de Belgische grens’ pic.twitter.com/xirhaTuJAU

— René van Hoof (@renevanhoof) June 13, 2019