A wave of panic has swept across Munich as Oktoberfest, the world's largest and most famous beer festival, faces an unprecedented security crisis, forcing its immediate closure. The disruption has brought the massive celebration, which typically draws roughly six million visitors over its 16-day run to a sudden halt.
What is going on?
The crisis began in the early hours of Wednesday with an explosion and fire at a house in northern Munich's Lerchenau district.
This incident left at least one person dead, and police are treating it as a premeditated act linked to a domestic dispute.
During the initial response, specialist bomb disposal units were called to the scene and found that the property was booby-trapped with other explosive devices.
While investigating the Lerchenau incident, officials discovered a document or letter left by the alleged perpetrator that contained a specific bomb threat directly targeting the Oktoberfest fairgrounds.
This immediate and credible threat triggered the swift closure of the entire festival.
The fairgrounds, known as the Theresienwiese, have been completely sealed off. Police have evacuated all workers from the beer tents and fairground rides while a massive search operation is currently underway for any explosive devices.
Will the event still go ahead?
The world's largest beer festival will remain closed for the majority of the day, with city officials setting a minimum reopening time and the Mayor pledging to prioritise safety above all else.
The Oktoberfest fairgrounds will remain shut until at least 5pm local time (4pm GMT) while the search for potential explosive devices is completed.
Reiter was unequivocal, confirming: "The police will do everything to have the Wiesn completely searched, if possible, by this afternoon at 5 pm to ensure safety. If that's not the case... the Wiesn will not open today at all. I'm sorry, there is no other way. Safety comes first.”
