In a dramatic turn of events on Wednesday, German authorities ordered the immediate closure of Munich’s iconic Oktoberfest. The unprecedented decision came in response to a serious bomb threat, which officials stated was connected to an earlier explosion in a city residential area.
Munich police confirmed that emergency services had responded to a blazing building in the city’s northern district following reports from residents of multiple explosions. Tragically, a man found gravely injured near a nearby lake later succumbed to his wounds. Investigators also unearthed ‘explosive traps’ within the damaged residence. Authorities have not yet released the man’s identity or clarified his potential involvement in the incident.
Initially, officials had suggested the fire might be related to a domestic dispute, prompting searches at various locations connected to the event, including the Theresienwiese – the sprawling fairgrounds that host Oktoberfest.
However, police spokesman Thomas Schelshorn later clarified that a ‘nonspecific bomb threat’ was discovered inside the house, leading to the broader search operations.
The precise reason linking this ‘nonspecific threat’ to the Theresienwiese remains unclear at this time.
Currently, tens of thousands of revelers are gathered in Munich for the 190th annual Oktoberfest celebration. Officials declared that the popular festival would remain closed until at least 5 p.m. local time on Wednesday, leaving many disappointed and concerned.
Last year, Oktoberfest attracted a staggering 6.7 million visitors. This marks another significant disruption for the festival, which was previously canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event also carries a somber history; in 1980, a tragic terrorist attack near a festival exit claimed 13 lives.