Explosion, Bomb Threat Force Sudden Closure of Munich’s Oktoberfest Grounds
Oktoberfest fairgrounds evacuated after explosion and ongoing bomb threat.
Chaos erupted in Munich as authorities shut down the iconic Oktoberfest fairgrounds on Wednesday morning following a chilling bomb threat linked to a deadly explosion in the city's northern district. The explosion, which rocked a residential area in the early hours, claimed at least one life and left authorities scrambling to secure the world-famous beer festival, now in its final week.
Munich police confirmed the blast stemmed from a domestic dispute, though details remain murky. It’s unclear whether the deceased was the suspected perpetrator or another individual caught in the violence. Adding to the tension, another person connected to the incident remains missing but is not considered a public threat, officials said.
The bomb threat, issued by the suspected perpetrator, prompted an immediate lockdown of the Oktoberfest fairgrounds, where millions of visitors have been celebrating since the festival kicked off on September 20. Authorities evacuated workers and deployed specialized bomb disposal teams to sweep the sprawling site for explosive devices, including potential booby traps found at the explosion site. "We are taking every precaution to ensure public safety," a Munich police spokesperson said, urging calm as the investigation unfolds.
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Oktoberfest, known as the world’s largest beer festival, typically draws up to 6 million visitors annually, filling Munich’s fairgrounds with vibrant tents, music, and liters of beer. With the event set to wrap up on October 5, the closure has cast a shadow over the festivities, leaving tourists and locals alike on edge. Police have not yet confirmed when the fairgrounds might reopen, but they emphasized that the search for additional threats is ongoing.
This incident marks a rare moment of disruption for the centuries-old festival, which has weathered wars, economic crises, and even pandemics. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward as they work to piece together the events leading up to the explosion and threat.
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