Like in a Hollywood movie, a group of heavily armed men carried out a robbery on the runway of the airport in the Colombian city of Riohacha, in the northern part of the country, as reported by Efe. The thieves stole several suitcases loaded with money being transported in an armored van, causing scenes of panic among the passengers and workers present at the site.
Local media reported that the assailants accessed the Admiral Padilla airport in two vehicles and managed to intercept the armored van carrying the money. In images circulated on social media, it can be seen how they detonated a car and fired shots into the air, leading to the temporary suspension of air operations. At that moment, dozens of passengers were awaiting their flights to various cities in the country.
Taking advantage of the confusion, the criminals loaded the suitcases with money and fled through the back of the airport, accessing a road after forcing one of the gates of the premises.
So far, no fatalities or injuries have been reported, and authorities have not specified the exact amount of money stolen or the total number of individuals involved in the robbery.
During the escape, the assailants took a rural road and set fire to one of the vehicles used, as well as one of the suitcases containing part of the loot. In several videos shared on social media, it can be seen how some locals approached the site and collected the bills that did not burn.
The Mayor of Riohacha, Genaro Redondo, stated to the channel Noticias Caracol that "they robbed a valuables truck and took a significant number of bags (suitcases) with resources." He also explained that the robbers' target was the money, around 24 sacks full of cash, which was supposed to be transported on a commercial flight of the airline Latam bound for Bogotá.
On the other hand, the airline issued a statement ensuring that no passengers, crew members, or technical or ground staff were injured. Additionally, they indicated that the aircraft was inspected after the incident and did not sustain any damage.
Latam added that the competent authorities, along with the airport's security concessionaire, have been managing the situation from the outset.
Meanwhile, an extensive operation has been deployed on the department's roads with the aim of locating and apprehending the culprits, who fled in at least two vehicles.