Watch: Armed robbers blow cash van in daring highway heist
A busy highway was hijacked after a gang of armed robbers stopped and blew up an armoured cash van during a brazen raid in Puglia region in southern Italy.
Around six and ten masked robbers, some posing as police, were seen forcing the van to come to a stop by parking a van and small truck across lanes of traffic. Some can be seen wearing white and black overalls and holding large assault rifles as they manoeuvre between cars.
According to witnesses, the group then set the vehicles on fire creating a “wall of flames”, trapping oncoming traffic. As the assailants moved in, they were seen detonating a device on the cash van and triggering a massive explosion.
Dramatic footage shows flames and debris flying across the highway as thick black smoke blanketed traffic.
Damm this is crazy
Daylight robbery on an Italian highway….. pic.twitter.com/DkEERknI97
— Golden (@Goldencrypt0x) February 9, 2026
According to local media, police quickly arrived at the scene but were met with gunfire and forced to use vehicles for cover. One police car was struck by three bullets and an unmarked vehicle was rammed. No injuries or fatalities were reported among police, guards or civilians.
Despite the initial power of the blast, it’s believed that a foam based security mechanism was triggered inside the van, preventing the suspects from getting hold of any cash. The targeted vehicle belonged to Battistolli, which operates armoured cash transport services across Italy.
After managing to flee the scene, the suspects stole cars from passing motorists to break through police roadblocks and successfully avoided road spikes.
Police later intercepted a vehicle travelling at high speed, before arresting two men who tried to escape on foot. Authorities confirmed that two suspects are now in custody, while at least two others remain at large. They also confirmed that the robbery was unsuccessful and that no cash was obtained during the incident.
Italian media reported the suspects hail from the Foggia area, a city known for producing gangs specialising in paramilitary-style vehicle robberies.
A major manhunt is now underway to locate other suspects using helicopter surveillance, heightened police presence and checkpoints across the region.