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Germany’s famous Oktoberfest was temporarily shut down on Wednesday, October 1, following a bomb threat connected to an explosion and fire in Munich, organisers confirmed.
Early that morning, police and firefighters responded to a fire at a residential property in the city’s Lerchenau district. Investigators reported that the house had been rigged with explosives before being set on fire, with thick smoke visible in the area.
A man was found badly injured near the scene and later died from his injuries, according to police. German media outlet Bild reported that the suspect may have caused the explosion at his parents’ home and then taken his own life, with possible gunshots fired during the event. However, police have not officially confirmed these details.
Authorities are investigating whether there is any connection between the explosion and Oktoberfest, which is held annually at the Theresienwiese fairgrounds near central Munich.
In response to the threat, organisers stated:
“Due to a bomb threat related to the explosion in northern Munich, Theresienwiese will remain closed until 5:00 pm for the time being.”
This year’s Oktoberfest runs from September 20 to October 5 and is the world’s largest funfair, attracting 6.7 million visitors in 2024.
