Croatian Police: Bomb Threats at 50 Schools Declared False; Investigation Underway

A wave of fear swept through the Split-Dalmatia County on Monday morning as fifty primary and secondary schools received identical, chilling emails claiming explosive devices had been planted on their premises. The immediate response saw principals enacting emergency protocols in coordination with the police, leading to widespread panic among parents who rushed to the schools. This scenario, straight out of a nightmare, tested the resilience of the local community and its emergency services.

“

In relation to the information received this morning that electronic mail of the same content and sender was received by the official email of a larger number of schools in the Split-Dalmatia County, stating that an explosive device was placed in the educational institution, adequate procedures were carried out in the premises of 50 educational institutions and it was determined that the report was false.

However, after hours of intense uncertainty and thorough sweeps by police, including explosive ordnance disposal experts, a collective sigh of relief was heard. The Split-Dalmatia Police Department confirmed that all the threats were hoaxes and no explosive devices were found in any of the educational institutions. This outcome, while reassuring, does not erase the disruption and anxiety caused by the false alarms.

“

A large number of police officers immediately responded after receiving the information and we were in contact with the responsible persons in the schools. The maximum number of police officers was engaged to carry out all necessary actions.

Večernji List, reporting on this incident, emphasizes that while the immediate danger has passed, the investigation is far from over. The police have launched a criminal inquiry to identify the perpetrator(s) behind these malicious threats. The focus now shifts to uncovering the motive and bringing those responsible to justice, ensuring that such disruptive acts do not go unpunished and do not cause similar fear in the future. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our digital age and the need for robust cybersecurity measures in public institutions.

“

No explosive devices were found in any educational institution, and the competent services will conduct a criminal investigation into the existence of suspicion of committing a criminal offense.