The San Nicolas alert ended around 1 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, after an explosives specialist found no explosive in a box near the Refineria di Aruba offices, 24ora reported. Roads were reopened following the inspection.
Security guard reported a suspicious box
According to 24ora, a security guard found the box near a planter when starting duty around 6 a.m. and informed supervisors, who contacted police. Authorities closed the area as a precaution while the item was assessed.
The outlet specifically reported that there had been no bomb-threat call. The alert began with the discovery of an object considered suspicious, not a communicated threat.
Specialist inspection finds an old tin
A specialist travelled from Curaçao by military aircraft to inspect the item. The box contained an old tin, according to 24ora. EA News also reported that the object contained no explosive material and that the area was subsequently reopened.
The reporting did not establish who left the box or that anyone intended to cause a false alarm.
Minister gives a preliminary cost estimate
Justice Minister Arthur Dowers estimated that the response cost at least Afl. 50,000, including overtime and military-flight expenses, 24ora reported. The outlet described that figure as an initial estimate, not a final accounting of all costs.
Sources: 24ora’s follow-up report and EA News.
