Bomb threat shuts down Munich Oktoberfest following fatal explosion

Last updated:
29 minutes ago

Police in Munich confirmed that the suspect, found dead near Lerchenauer See with an explosive device, is believed to have set a house fire and issued threats linked to a domestic dispute. His mother and daughter were injured and remain in hospital.

More than 500 officers were deployed, evacuating nearby streets and the Oktoberfest grounds after a letter referencing the festival was discovered.

Explosives teams were called in to diffuse traps found inside the building. Photos from the scene showed a van gutted by flames.

Officials said the alleged perpetrator left behind a letter containing threats against the festival, triggering a full-scale search of the fairgrounds.

Workers were evacuated while police scoured the site for additional devices, keeping Oktoberfest closed until until 5 p.m. local time.

Authorities quickly evacuated and closed the festival grounds, which usually draw millions of visitors, heightening security fears around the world’s largest beer festival.