The cash machines were full of money. SUR

Blast at bank in Malaga city centre

The explosion happened shortly after midnight at the Avenida Andalucía branch of ING

Málaga

Friday, 17 February 2023, 10:35 | Updated 12:34h.

A gang of thieves is behind an explosion at the Avenida de Andalucía branch of ING bank in Malaga city centre which happened at around 12.30am this Friday, 17 February. The ATM machine, which had been loaded with cash, was the main target. Two loud bangs were heard in the area and emergency services received several calls alerting them to the noises.

The bank suffered extensive damage as a result of the blast. Explosives or acetylene gas are commonly used in this type of crime, which causes detonation with an electrical spark from a distance, allowing them to gain access to the cash in the ATM machine.

A rapid police operation was activated to try to catch the perpetrators as they fled along Avenida de Andalucía. As it is one of the main routes in and out of the city, the thieves were able to make a quick getaway towards the motorway. According to sources, a road chase ensued during which the offenders reached speeds of over 200 kilometres per hour.

There was a similar incident last December in El Palo, where a group of thieves used explosives to blow up a Cajamar branch on Avenida Juan Sebastián Elcano, just a few metres from the municipal market.