Munich Oktoberfest Grounds Closed After Bomb Threat Linked to Explosion

German police closed the Oktoberfest fairgrounds in Munich on Wednesday morning following a bomb threat connected to a deadly explosion in the city. The threat originated from a suspect believed to be involved in a blast at a residential building in northern Munich earlier that day.

At least one individual died as a result of the explosion, which authorities confirmed was intentionally set and linked to a domestic dispute. The identity of the deceased has not been disclosed, and another person remains missing but is not considered a public threat. Images from the scene revealed a burned-out van, indicating the severity of the incident.

Oktoberfest Threat and Response

Specialised police teams were deployed to safely defuse potential booby traps within the affected building. The Oktoberfest bomb threat was detailed in a letter allegedly sent by the perpetrator. In response to the threat, police evacuated workers and initiated searches for explosive devices across the fairgrounds.

The Oktoberfest, which began on September 20 and is scheduled to conclude on October 5, will remain closed until at least 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Wednesday. This event, known as the world’s largest beer festival, typically attracts up to 6 million visitors each year.

Historical Context

The closure of the festival has evoked memories of a tragic incident in 1980 when a neo-Nazi attack targeted Oktoberfest. On September 26 of that year, a bomb killed 13 people, including three children, and injured more than 200 others. The attacker, Gundolf Koehler, was a student connected to a banned far-right group.

As authorities continue to assess the situation, the safety of the public remains the top priority. Police are investigating the events leading up to the explosion and will provide further updates as the situation develops.