Munich’s Oktoberfest delayed after explosion in residential building

Munich’s Oktoberfest beer festival will remain closed until at least 5 p.m. on Wednesday. The closure comes after police responded to an early-morning fire caused by an explosion in a northern residential building, where explosives were found and one person died, according to Reuters.

Officials stated that the fire started during a family dispute that occurred earlier on Wednesday. Special forces entered the building to remove booby traps following the explosion. One person died, and another is missing but not thought to be at risk. Police stated that there is no immediate danger to the public, but they are investigating potential links to other locations, including the Theresienwiese festival grounds.

Oktoberfest, the world’s largest folk festival, brings millions of people to Munich each year for Bavarian beer, food and music. The 2024 event began Sept. 20 and is scheduled to run until Oct. 5. Following the early-morning incident on Wednesday, organizers closed the festival for safety reasons and have not yet announced a reopening timeline.