VIENNA, AUSTRIA — In the stillness of early morning, a thunderous blast echoed through Zschokkegasse in Vienna’s Donaustadt district. At approximately 3:15 a.m. Thursday, two ATMs were blown apart inside a local bank branch—another jarring episode in what has become a disturbing trend across Austria
Police confirmed the attack, with spokesperson Anna Gutt stating that multiple suspects fled the scene immediately after the explosions. Surveillance footage captured two individuals, though authorities believe more were involved. The amount of cash stolen remains unclear.
The Austrian Federal Criminal Office, now working in tandem with state investigators, is scrambling to locate the suspects. The search is part of an intensified national operation—SOKO Bankomat, a special task force launched in March in response to the alarming surge in ATM bombings.
So far in 2025, more than 20 ATMs have been targeted across the country, with many incidents centered in and around Vienna, raising concerns about both public safety and the effectiveness of current security measures.
The method is always similar—strike swiftly, cause maximum damage, escape into the darkness before anyone can respond. Residents are rattled, and police presence has visibly increased around financial institutions.
Authorities are urging citizens to report any suspicious activity and remain cautious. As investigations deepen, the city waits anxiously, hoping this violent spree will soon come to an end.
