Authorities have temporarily closed the Oktoberfest in Munich following a bomb threat linked to a recent explosion at a residential building in the northern part of the city. The explosion, which is believed to have been deliberately set, has claimed at least one life and is reportedly part of a domestic dispute.
The identity of the deceased remains unclear, with police indicating it is uncertain whether they were the suspected perpetrator or another individual. Meanwhile, another person is missing but is not considered a threat to the public. Specialized teams have been deployed to the site to defuse potential booby traps within the building. Images from the scene depict a burned-out van, further illustrating the extent of the incident.
Investigation Underway
Munich police are actively investigating the situation, examining all possible links to other locations in the city, including the Theresienwiese, where the Oktoberfest is held. Authorities received a bomb threat directed at the festival through a letter allegedly from the suspect. In response, they conducted thorough searches of the fairgrounds for any additional explosive devices and evacuated nearby workers.
Oktoberfest officials announced that the festival will remain closed until at least 17:00 local time (01:00 Thursday AEST). The event, which began on September 20, is set to conclude on October 5. Typically, the world’s largest beer festival attracts around six million visitors.
The closure of Oktoberfest brings back memories of a tragic incident from September 26, 1980, when a bombing orchestrated by neo-Nazi student Gundolf Koehler resulted in the deaths of 13 people, including three children. That attack, linked to a far-right group, also left more than 200 others injured.
As investigations continue, authorities emphasize the importance of public safety. They are working diligently to ensure that any potential threats are neutralized before the festival can safely resume.
