Frauke Koehle, a spokeswoman for Germany’s federal state prosecutor in Karlsruhe, has confirmed that the three explosives that were detonated outside the Borussia Dortmund team bus were pipe bombs capable of traveling more than 330 feet. One of the three explosive devices contained metal strips, according to prosecutors, including one pin that pierced a headrest of a bus seat.
“The consequences could have been far worse,” Koehle said. The explosives were reportedly planted behind a hedge that the bus encountered just after turning out of the team's hotel parking lot. The explosions severely damaged the bus, and Marc Bartra underwent surgery after breaking a bone in his wrist.
@MarcBartra via Instagram. #bvbasm pic.twitter.com/If26ElzpDk
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) April 12, 2017
A member of the police envoy that was escorting the bus on a motorbike also suffered trauma as a result of the extreme noise of the explosions. In the aftermath of the attack, three letters were found near the scene, each indicating that the motives had direct links to radical Islamic terrorism.
“Two suspects from the Islamist spectrum have become the focus of our investigation,” Koehle said. “Both of their apartments were searched, and one of the two has been detained.”
The match was postponed until Wednesday, but a show of solidarity between Monaco and Dortmund supporters in the face of such a disturbing attack was uplifting.
Monaco fans already inside the Westfalenstadion chanted their opponent’s name while waiting for UEFA’s decision on the match.
Great gesture from @AS_Monaco_EN Fans, as they chant "DORTMUND DORTMUND" while waiting for an announcement from UEFA regarding the game! pic.twitter.com/C4a42yYumq
— Ahsan (@Ahsi_7) April 11, 2017
And Borussia Dortmund supporters were quick to offer a place to stay for Monaco away fans with the hashtag BedForAwayFans.
Das ist Fussball ! #BVBASM #BedForAwayFans @BVB pic.twitter.com/9qP1Pek9V8
— AS MONACO (@AS_Monaco) April 11, 2017
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