Munich Oktoberfest to re-open after fatal house fire and bomb threat
Munich Oktoberfest to re-open after fatal house fire and bomb threat
Munich’s Oktoberfest is set to reopen Wednesday evening after being temporarily closed due to a serious incident involving a house fire and a bomb threat. The fire occurred in northern Munich, where a 57-year-old man, who is suspected of starting the fire amid a family dispute, was later found dead near a local lake. The man was carrying a backpack that appeared to contain an explosive device.
Earlier, police received a non-specific bomb threat related to Oktoberfest, which led to the temporary closure of the event. Teams of explosives specialists and sniffer dogs were brought in to search the festival grounds at Theresienwiese, where Oktoberfest has been held for over two centuries. The venue was declared safe, and the festival will resume operations at 17:30 local time.
The fire and the explosion were linked to the suspect's residence, and emergency personnel rushed to the scene, where they encountered booby traps and set vehicles on fire. Police later confirmed that the suspect’s 81-year-old mother and 21-year-old daughter were injured and are now receiving medical care. Special forces were deployed to defuse the explosives inside the house.
While investigations continue, authorities have assured the public that there are no indications of further threats elsewhere in Munich. The Oktoberfest, which runs until October 5, has already attracted millions of visitors, and the festival’s re-opening is expected to go ahead as planned.
MF Radio.