Munich Oktoberfest Shuts Down Amid Tragic Fire and Alarming Bomb Threat
Munich Oktoberfest Temporarily Closed Amid Investigation into Local Explosion
Oktoberfest Closure Due to Explosion Concerns in Munich
The iconic Oktoberfest venue in Munich has been temporarily shut down amid ongoing investigations into an explosion and fire at a nearby location. The site closure is linked to events unfolding at a residential area in Lerchenau, northern Munich, where a house rigged with explosives erupted in flames.
Investigation into Potential Bomb Threat
A possible bomb threat prompted Mayor Dieter Reiter to announce the festival site’s closure until at least 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Wednesday. Authorities have launched a large-scale emergency operation as they probe potential connections between the explosion and other locations, including the world-renowned Oktoberfest.
Explosive Incident and Online Claims Probed
In a development at a nearby lake, a severely injured man was discovered and subsequently died. Police have investigated a possible connection to the leftist Antifa movement after an online message claimed responsibility for various incidents in northern Munich. However, authorities later dismissed these claims as acts of copycats with no substantial evidence linking them to the explosion.
Festival in Full Swing Before Disruption
Oktoberfest, which now attracts over 3.5 million visitors, runs from September 20 to October 5 this year. Renowned as the world’s largest folk and beer festival, the event draws a massive international crowd and significantly contributes to the local economy.
Emergency Response and Safety Measures
- Special forces were deployed to defuse booby traps found in the affected residential building.
- Numerous emergency personnel are on site responding to the incident.
- Police attribute the fire to an intentional act stemming from a family dispute.
- Besides the house fire, nearby cars were also set ablaze.
Amid the somber circumstances, authorities assure that safety remains their priority as they continue to address and resolve the situation. Stay tuned for further updates on Emegypt as the investigation unfolds.
