Naples Bank Robbers Disappear Through Tunnel After Hostaging 25

In a surprising daylight attack, armed individuals took over a Naples bank, capturing 25 people before vanishing through an underground passage. The incident unfolded shortly after midday local time (10:00 GMT), prompting a swift police response. Authorities quickly encircled the Crédit Agricole branch, setting the stage for a tense standoff.

According to local reports, negotiations with the perpetrators began approximately two hours into the event. These talks led to the release of the hostages, though not without some emotional displays. Footage shared online showed firefighters using battering rams to break windows, assisting trapped individuals in escaping. While some emerged unscathed, others appeared visibly distressed, clutching loved ones and sobbing as they left the premises.

“They did not use violence,” recounted a man to Fanpage.it, describing how the robbers confined the hostages in a room and prioritized their safety over force.

Regional official Michele di Bari praised the rapid action, stating, “Thanks to the swift response… all the hostages were freed shortly after 13:30 without serious injuries.” Meanwhile, a large gathering of onlookers, residents, and emergency workers formed in the square, closely following the livestream of the operation. Special forces from the carabinieri were rushed in from Tuscany, adding to the intensity of the situation.

As the situation escalated, the live feed captured the chaos of the final assault. Gunfire and the thunderous blasts of stun grenades echoed through the area, but by then, the robbers had already escaped. Local media speculated they might have slipped into the city’s sewer system via a hidden tunnel. Later, carabinieri and firefighters examined a nearby manhole, searching for signs of the fugitives.

It remains unclear how much was stolen, as Fanpage.it noted that the robbers targeted personal safety deposit boxes rather than cash. The exact value of the loot could not be determined immediately, leaving the community in suspense. Despite the dramatic escape, no one suffered serious harm, marking the end of a harrowing but successful operation.