The renowned Oktoberfest festival in Germany was shut down following a fatal explosion and bomb threat that resulted in one casualty near a burning residence in Lerchenau, northern Munich. Police authorities suspect a connection to the festival and have closed the Oktoberfest fairgrounds after discovering a bomb threat in a letter from the alleged perpetrator. Specialized teams were deployed to neutralize potential booby traps in the building, and images from the area showed a burnt-out van covered in fire extinguishing foam.
Law enforcement officers have conducted thorough searches for additional explosive devices at the fairgrounds, instructing workers to vacate the premises. The festival is expected to remain closed until at least 5 pm local time on Wednesday. The incident began with a fire set at the suspect’s parents’ home during a family dispute, leading emergency services to respond to the scene early in the morning.
Initial reports indicated an injured individual possibly related to the incident, who later succumbed to their injuries. Another person, deemed non-threatening, went missing in the chaos. Explosive devices were discovered in the affected building, prompting the deployment of special forces for bomb disposal. Nearby schools were temporarily closed as a precaution.
Authorities are exploring potential links to other locations, including the festival site at Theresienwiese. Munich Police have released statements confirming the deliberate nature of the fire in the residential building, the fatality of the injured person, and the ongoing search for the missing individual. Search operations are in progress around the festival grounds, with festival workers instructed to evacuate for safety measures.
Special Forces from Southern Bavaria conducted a tactical operation at the suspect’s residence in Starnberg, ensuring the area was safe before entry. Oktoberfest, known for attracting millions of visitors annually, suffered a tragic neo-Nazi attack in 1980 that claimed numerous lives and left many injured. Despite the recent incident, Oktoberfest remains a popular and significant cultural event, drawing millions of attendees each year.