The famous Oktoberfest festival is to be closed for several hours following a bomb threat linked to a deadly fire in which one died at a home in the north of Munich in southeastern Germany.
“Due to a bomb threat in connection with the explosion in northern Munich, the Theresienwiese will remain closed until 5:00 p.m.,” Munich police said in a statement, in reference to the area where the festival is held.
“A letter from the perpetrator has been sent to this effect,” police said. “A decision on further action will be made in the early afternoon.”
The bomb threat was linked to a fire at a residential building in north Munich where one person died on Wednesday morning, authorities said.
Police and fire department personnel were dispatched to the scene and police said there was a “burning residential building” and they had received reports of “loud bangs.”
“According to current information, the residential building was deliberately set on fire during a family dispute,” police said. “The injured person found has since died. Another person is missing and poses no danger.”
Police later said they discovered “explosive devices” in the building. “Special forces have been called in to defuse the bombs,” the police said.
In a video statement posted to X, Munich police spokesman Thomas Schelshorn said the “major operation” in Lerchenau had been underway since 4:45 a.m.
“We also have an unspecified threat of explosives for the Theresienwiese (Oktoberfest location)” he added. “That’s also why the Oktoberfest isn’t opening on time today. And we assume it won’t open before 5 p.m.”
