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On March 12, 2025, a dramatic police chase ended in a crash in Amsterdam’s Osdorp neighborhood, triggering a major security response and the evacuation of homes and a care home after explosives were found in the wrecked vehicle.
The incident began early this morning when a BMW M1 was used in an ATM ram-raid in Fürth, Bavaria, Germany, around 4:30 a.m. local time. The suspects fled the scene without stealing cash, but the explosion severely damaged the building housing the ATM, starting a small fire that was quickly contained. All residents of the building were evacuated safely.
German police tracked the vehicle as it crossed into the Netherlands, and Dutch authorities initiated a pursuit. The chase culminated in Amsterdam Nieuw-West, where the car lost control on Nierkerkestraat, crashing violently. Witnesses told local newspaper Het Parool that they saw the car speeding through a bend “partly on two wheels” before the collision.
Moments after the crash, four young men reportedly jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. A resident told reporters: “The whole neighborhood saw someone jump out of the car. A little later, people also saw a boy coming out of the bushes.” Police have not yet made any arrests, and the suspects remain at large as of this evening.
Emergency services quickly cordoned off the street, and the military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team arrived on scene, along with drones, a police helicopter, and sniffer dogs. Authorities declared a major incident and evacuated all buildings within a 100-meter radius. One of the evacuated buildings is a care home for the elderly, whose residents were moved to a nearby shelter.
Dutch police are working closely with German counterparts to identify the suspects. The vehicle used in the ram-raid is believed to have been stolen or cloned, and investigators are checking CCTV footage from both sides of the border. The Special Intervention Service in Fürth remains on site with masked officers and armed forces personnel, securing the area where the ATM explosion occurred.
The incident has raised concerns about cross-border crime in the region. According to a police spokesperson, the ATM attack in Germany and the subsequent chase in the Netherlands underscore the need for rapid information sharing. “This shows how quickly criminals can move between countries,” the spokesperson said. “We are using all available tools to track them down.”
Residents in Amsterdam’s Osdorp area expressed shock and fear. “I saw the helicopter and heard the sirens. Then they told us to leave our homes. It’s scary,” said one local, who was allowed to return after the EOD team cleared the car. The vehicle was removed for forensic examination late this afternoon.
The Dutch police have urged anyone with information to come forward, especially those who may have seen the suspects fleeing. They described the individuals as “several young men” wearing dark clothing. No further details about their appearance have been released.
This is not the first time a cross-border crime has ended in the Netherlands. Last year, a similar incident involving a stolen car used in a German burglary ended in a crash in Rotterdam. However, the presence of explosives in the crashed vehicle this time has escalated the response.
The EOD unit confirmed that the suspicious materials found in the car were “consistent with commercial explosives” but did not specify the exact type. The device was rendered safe, and no injuries were reported from the Amsterdam crash site.
As the investigation continues, Dutch police have set up a dedicated hotline for tips. They are also reviewing footage from automatic number plate recognition cameras along the route from the German border to Amsterdam.
The incident has drawn international attention, with media outlets in Germany and the Netherlands closely following developments. The German police have thanked their Dutch counterparts for their swift response.
In a separate update, the building in Fürth that housed the ATM remains closed for structural assessment. The explosion caused a fire that damaged the facade and interior, but no one was trapped. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze.
The Dutch police say they are confident that the suspects will be found, given the extensive surveillance network and the high-profile nature of the case. “It’s only a matter of time,” said a senior investigator.
The evacuation order in Osdorp was lifted by early evening, after the EOD team confirmed there was no further danger. Residents returned to their homes, though some expressed lingering unease.
This event also highlights the role of the military in domestic security operations. The Dutch Defence EOD unit is frequently called in for such incidents, and their presence here was a precautionary measure.
The case is now in the hands of a joint Dutch-German task force, which is coordinating the manhunt. Police have not ruled out the possibility that the suspects may have crossed back into Germany or into Belgium.
Authorities are also examining the vehicle’s origin and whether it was used in other crimes. The BMW M1 is a rare model, which could help narrow down the investigation.
As the night falls, the streets of Osdorp are quiet again, but the search for the four young men continues. The Dutch police have asked the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
