Editor's note: This story contains a correction.
Updated at 1:41 a.m. ET: MAINZ, Germany -- Robbers attempted to blow up an ATM to get the cash inside early Monday -- but ended up destroying the whole bank.
They apparently used more explosives than necessary, reducing the building in the small German town of Darup to rubble and waking some local residents.
German police told NBC News Tuesday that they suspect the incident was part of a nationwide series of robberies in which the thieves put an explosive gas mixture into ATMs and ignite it.
According to a police report, the robbers were able to get a low four-figure sum of cash out of the destroyed ATM. The robbers remained on the run Tuesday.
More international stories from NBC News
The building in which the bank branch is located also holds four apartments, which are now uninhabitable. No one was hurt.
Other recent robberies in Germany have seen cars being driven into jeweler's shop windows and bank break-ins where thieves tied ropes around ATMs to pull them out of the building with a vehicle.
More world stories from NBC News:
- China brings its first aircraft carrier into service, joining 9-nation club
- Taiwanese ships clash with Japanese coast guard over disputed islands
- Class wars: 'Gate-gate' scandal swamps UK PM
- Ahmadinejad rips Israel, US ahead of final UN speech
- Report: Iran commander warns of 'World War III'
- Religious pilgrimages: a multi-billion dollar industry
- Ancient land of 'Beringia' gets protection from US, Russia
- Stay informed: Sign up for our newsletter