German police have shut down the Oktoberfest site in Munich due to a bomb threat linked to a recent explosion at a residential building, which has been identified as deliberately ignited amid a domestic dispute. City officials confirmed that at least one person perished in the incident, although it remains unclear whether the deceased is the alleged perpetrator or another individual.
Authorities reported that another person is missing but is not considered a threat to public safety. In response to the situation, specialised teams have been deployed to disarm potential explosives found at the scene, and images from the area indicate the presence of a charred van.
The bomb threat targeting Oktoberfest was revealed through a letter from the suspected individual, prompting police to conduct a thorough search for any additional explosive devices and evacuate festival workers from the premises. As a precaution, the area will remain closed until at least 5pm local time on Wednesday (1am Thursday AEST). This year’s Oktoberfest, which commenced on September 20 and is scheduled to conclude on October 5, typically draws around six million attendees.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are maintaining a secure environment while prioritising the safety of the community.