Two deaths in Andria while preparing devices for ATM robberies
Two unidentifiable bodies found in the courtyard of a small villa on the outskirts of Andria: they were assembling explosives to carry out raids on cash machines.
Fatal explosion in Andria: victims still unnamed
A farmer in Andria found two bodies mangled by an explosion this morning in the courtyard of his villa, located on the outskirts of the city along provincial road 155 in the direction of Minervino Murge. According to ANSA Cronaca. The man had arrived at the scene with his nephew when he noticed a car parked nearby and, a short distance away, the remains of the two victims, rendered unidentifiable by the detonation.
Explosive "marmots" targeting cash machines
According to preliminary investigations, the two were in all likelihood assembling so-called "marmots": small devices comprised of iron blades, detonators and explosive charges, used in raids on automated teller machines at banks and post offices. This activity is among the most common forms of crime in Puglia: scarcely a day goes by without at least one such robbery being recorded in the region.
A poorly connected wire or a detonator installed incorrectly could have triggered the sudden blast. The force of the explosion was such as to scatter fragments several metres away, making it impossible at present to identify the victims.
Carabinieri investigations: autopsies and examination of the stolen vehicle
Carabinieri from the Scientific Investigation Section and bomb disposal experts collected numerous items from the area. The autopsies, entrusted to Antonio De Donno of the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Bari's Policlinico, are scheduled for next week and could provide decisive information about the identity of the two men.
On the property's driveway an SUV was also found, which turned out to be stolen. It is not yet clear whether the vehicle belonged to the victims or had been taken by third parties. The military are carrying out examinations of the vehicle in the hope of gathering further evidence.
The owner of the villa questioned by investigators
The carabinieri are carefully examining every statement made by the owner of the villa in order to establish whether the courtyard had previously been used as an improvised laboratory for the preparation of explosives. The investigators also want to clarify whether the two deceased were part of one or more groups specialising in raids on ATMs and postmat machines, or whether they were operating independently.
Source: ANSA Cronaca