Bomb found at Italian metro station, but without a detonator

Bomb found at Italian metro station, but without a detonator

2010-12-22 06:58:42 GMT+7 (ICT)

ROME, ITALY (BNO NEWS) -- A makeshift bomb was found at a metro station in Italy on Tuesday, according to the ANSA news agency, which said the device had no detonator and therefore did not pose an immediate threat.

The bomb was found at around 10 a.m. local time by a driver at a service yard near the Rebibbia station in Rome, the Italian capital. The explosive device was located underneath a seat on an empty carriage on the B line.

Security teams and bomb experts were called to the station but, after analyzing the object, it was found that it did not pose an immediate threat. "Controls by bomb-disposal experts showed the bomb could not explode because it was so rudimentary," Mayor Gianni Alemanno was cited as saying.

Mayor Alemanno assured that there was no possible way for the bomb to explode and said no group of organization has so far claimed responsibility for planting the device, which was found to be composed of gunpowder and metal tubes.

"I've spoken to the police and I can guarantee all our citizens that the metro stations have been checked and there are no more problems," the Rome Mayor said, giving no indication if there was any evidence to indicate an upcoming attack on Rome's metro system.

Rome prosecutors have opened an investigation into the makeshift bomb and will attempt to find the motive and perpetrators behind the apparent attempted attack.

Tensions are high in Rome as students are planning a large demonstration for Wednesday, on the same day the controversial government's reform of a higher education system in Italy is expected to be passed after winning final approval.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2010-12-22