Oktoberfest bomb threat: Munich shuts Theresienwiese after house blast probe

An Oktoberfest bomb threat forced Munich to close the Theresienwiese until 17:00 on Wednesday while officers searched the site and reviewed possible links to a deadly house explosion in Lerchenau. City officials said workers were evacuated and cordons remained in place as specialist teams swept the festival grounds.

Police said the Lerchenau incident began with a fire and reports of an explosion at a single-family home. One person later died and another was unaccounted for, with investigators examining whether the suspect behind the blaze also issued the threat relating to Oktoberfest. Booby-trap devices were reportedly found at the property, prompting further checks in surrounding areas.

Mayor Dieter Reiter told councillors the festival could not reopen until searches finished and safety was assured. Oktoberfest, which began on 20 September and is scheduled to run until 5 October, had already attracted several million visitors this year, with earlier temporary closures due to overcrowding.

Readers planning a visit later in the week can check current timings and status via the official Oktoberfest opening hours page.

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[Image Credit: Euronews.com]

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