Today in History - May 10: Bank robber's identity a mystery after sniper blows him to smithereens

A bank robber was blown to pieces after a police sniper's bullet detonated the dynamite he was carrying in a small Canadian town on May 10, 1973.

The bank robber walked into the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in Kenora with six sticks of dynamite strapped to his chest and a rifle in his hand. In his teeth was a "dead man's switch" which would trigger the dynamite.

He ordered six duffel bags be filled with cash.

READ MORE: Prisoner refused to accept parole after 62 years behind bars

As the robber left the building, he was struck by a bullet fired by a police sniper.

The only other person hurt was Constable Don Milliard, an undercover officer posing as a getaway driver.

Milliard was only a few metres away, but was largely shielded from the blast by the giant bag of cash he was carrying on his back.

He suffered a concussion but was spared lasting physical harm.

The dynamite caused an explosion substantial enough to make identifying the robber impossible.

READ MORE: Superstar dies in freak bathroom accident

His identity has still not been established, 50 years on.

The robber had checked himself into a hotel under the name Paul Higgins, a fake name. 

The initial suspect was later found to be alive and well in France.

More than $100,000 in Canadian cash ($A840,000 in today's money) was blown all over the street after the blast. 

Nearly all of it was returned.

READ MORE: With a note from his father, he conducted the biggest bank heist of all time

For more from our Today in History archive, click here

DOWNLOAD THE 9NEWS APP: Stay across all the latest in breaking news, sport, politics and the weather via our news app and get notifications sent straight to your smartphone. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play.