Munich Oktoberfest Shut Down After Bomb Threat
Munich's Oktoberfest closed due to a bomb threat following police discoveries of explosives in northern Munich. The world's largest beer festival remains shut as authorities investigate connected incidents including fires and explosions. This security scare disrupts one of Germany's most iconic cultural events during its peak season.
Munich's Oktoberfest closed abruptly on Wednesday due to a bomb threat. The shutdown follows a major police operation in northern Munich. Authorities found explosive materials in a deceased person's backpack.
Organizers announced the closure on their website. The Theresienwiese festival grounds will remain closed until 5:00 PM local time. The threat came hours after police cordoned off a large area in northern Munich.
German media reported fires, explosions, and gunshots in the northern district. Police confirmed one person died in the incident. A residential building caught fire during what officials described as a family dispute.
Why close the world's largest beer festival for an unspecified threat? The precaution shows Germany's heightened security awareness after previous attacks. The timing during peak tourist season makes this particularly disruptive for visitors and local businesses.
Oktoberfest attracts over six million visitors annually. The festival had been running for nearly two weeks before Wednesday's closure. Security concerns now overshadow what should be Munich's celebratory peak season.