The opening of Oktoberfest, in Munich, was delayed by several hours yesterday as police investigated a potential bomb threat, linked to a house fire in the city.
Oktoberfest in 2024. Photograph: Munish Ritesh/Unsplash
The house was found to have been rigged with explosives. A 57-year-old man suspected of starting the fire was later found dead. But police revealed he had been found with “a non-specific bomb threat relating to the Oktoberfest”.
Oktoberfest started on 20th September and runs until 5th October. So far this year it has already welcomed more than 3.5m visitors.
Just after 3pm yesterday, Oktoberfest organisers said: “Police operations at Theresienwiese have been completed. The threat has not been confirmed. Oktoberfest will open at 5:30 pm.”
