The renowned Oktoberfest festival has been shut down following a fatal explosion and bomb scare that resulted in one casualty near a burning residence in Germany. In Lerchenau, northern Munich, a significant police operation is ongoing as bomb disposal experts rush to a building intentionally set ablaze with explosives, believed to be related to the festival. The Oktoberfest fairgrounds have been sealed off after a bomb threat was discovered in a letter from the suspected individual. Specialized teams have been summoned to handle potential booby traps in the building, with images from the vicinity showing a van charred and covered in fire suppressant foam.
Authorities have combed the fairgrounds for additional explosive devices and instructed staff to vacate the area. The festival is slated to remain closed until at least 5 pm local time on Wednesday. A street in lockdown this morning where the fire erupted is connected to an individual setting fire to their parents’ home amid a family disagreement. Emergency services responded to the scene early in the morning to find a residential building engulfed in flames, accompanied by loud banging noises.
Upon arrival, the police encountered an injured person possibly linked to the incident, who later succumbed to injuries. Another individual, not deemed a threat, is reported missing. Explosive devices were located in the affected structure, prompting the deployment of specialized units for bomb defusal. A nearby primary and middle school were closed due to the unfolding situation.
Authorities are investigating potential ties to other locations, including the festival site at Theresienwiese. Munich Police issued statements indicating that the residential building was intentionally set on fire amid a family dispute, resulting in a fatality and a missing person. Special forces were mobilized to neutralize explosive traps in the building, with investigations ongoing. Search operations are ongoing in restricted areas around the festival grounds, with festival workers instructed to vacate the premises for safety.
Heavily armed officers from the Southern Bavaria Special Forces (SEK) reportedly raided the suspect’s apartment in Starnberg before noon to ensure it was free of explosives. Oktoberfest, attracting millions of visitors annually, is known as the world’s largest beer festival, with recent attendance figures reaching around 7 million visitors, peaking at 7.2 million in 2023.
In 1980, Oktoberfest was the target of a deadly neo-Nazi attack that claimed 13 lives, including children, perpetrated by a far-right supporter. The festival holds a historical significance marred by tragic events.