In a recent announcement, police in Munich stated that Oktoberfest, the world's largest beer and folk festival, will reopen after a thorough investigation of a bomb threat linked to a tragic house fire in the city’s north. The venue was temporarily closed as authorities responded to the developing situation.
A 57-year-old man is suspected of starting the fire, which involved explosives, as part of a family dispute. His body was later discovered in a nearby lake, and police revealed he was carrying a backpack that contained what appeared to be an explosive device. Initially, a letter outlining a non-specific bomb threat linked to Oktoberfest was found by investigators, prompting the citywide investigation.
On Wednesday, after extensive searches conducted by teams of explosives specialists and sniffer dogs, police confirmed that they completed all necessary investigations at the Theresienwiese, the festival's location. The reopening is scheduled for 17:30 local time (15:30 GMT), allowing the large crowds expected throughout the remaining days of the festival.
Oktoberfest, which runs from September 20 to October 5, has already attracted over 3.5 million visitors this year and remains a significant cultural event in Germany.
In Lerchenau, where the fire originated, emergency services continue to investigate potential links to other locations. Authorities received multiple reports of explosions and vehicle fires. Special forces were deployed to ensure safety in the area and defuse booby traps set inside the suspect's home.
Injuries were reported among family members of the suspect, including his 81-year-old mother and a 21-year-old daughter, both of whom are currently in hospital. Authorities reassured residents that, at this time, there are no indications of a broader threat to the public in Munich.
