Oktoberfest Disrupted by Fire and Threat: 2 Injured, Festival Resumes
Oktoberfest in Munich was disrupted yesterday following a house fire and a subsequent threat. A 57-year-old man is suspected of setting the fire and committing suicide while evading authorities. Two women were injured, one critically. The festival was closed for hours but resumed later in the day.
The incident occurred when a man, later identified as a 57-year-old, set fire to his family home. Two women, a 21-year-old and an 81-year-old, were injured. The younger woman sustained minor injuries, while the elderly woman suffered moderate gunshot wounds. The suspect then fled the scene and threatened to target Oktoberfest, leading to its temporary closure.
The festival resumed at 5:30 PM, but the atmosphere was subdued. Beer tents opened at 10:00 AM as usual, but fewer visitors were seen, and there was less activity at sales stands and carousels. The motive for the crime is believed to be a family dispute.
The economic impact of the closure is still being assessed. A table that was not occupied cannot be made up, leading to potential losses for vendors. The German Hotel and Restaurant Association has suggested extending the Oktoberfest as a sign of resilience, but whether this is possible depends on city permission and staff availability at short notice. If approved, the extended Oktoberfest could start on September 20, 2025.
Oktoberfest has since resumed, but the incident has left a mark on the event. Investigations are ongoing, and the body found in the burned-out house is suspected to be the 90-year-old father of the suspect. The economic effects of the closure are being evaluated, and discussions about extending the festival are underway.
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