Breaking News: Oktoberfest Closed in Munich After Fatal Fire and Bomb Threat
A fatal fire and bomb threat have led to the temporary closure of Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany. A badly injured man was found at a nearby lake and later died after a van caught fire near his home in northern Munich.
Timeline of Events:
14:00 local time (12:00 GMT): Police received reports of an explosion and fire at a house rigged with explosives in Lerchenau, northern Munich.
15:00 local time (13:00 GMT): The venue where Oktoberfest is taking place was temporarily closed due to an unspecified bomb threat.
16:00 local time (14:00 GMT): A large-scale emergency operation was underway in Lerchenau.
Immediate Impact and Response:
The closure of Oktoberfest has left thousands of visitors stranded, with many more expected to arrive in the coming days. Mayor Dieter Reiter stated that the festival site would remain closed until at least 17:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on Wednesday due to the bomb threat.
Background Context:
Oktoberfest is one of Germany's most popular festivals, attracting over 3.5 million visitors each year. The annual event runs from September 20th to October 5th and has become a significant tourist attraction for Munich.
What Happens Next:
As investigations continue into the explosion and fire, police are working to determine if there is any connection between the incidents and other locations in northern Munich. The city's authorities have assured visitors that their safety is the top priority and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Bbc reporting.*
