Booby traps and bomb threats: Oktoberfest in danger!

Booby traps and bomb threats: Oktoberfest in danger!

In Munich, Oktoberfest will remain closed until further notice after booby traps were discovered and a bomb threat was received on October 1, 2025. The situation developed dramatically when residents in Lerchenau reported a house fire and heard “popping noises”. On site, the emergency services found not only a burning single-family home, but also several hand grenades with trip wires and the body of a man who was allegedly connected to the incidents, reports said merkur.de.

The police, who called in special forces to defuse the booby traps, were able to confirm that the dead man was the suspect and it is suspected that he had prepared his parents' house with explosive devices and then taken his own life. Before the emergency services, he was found with gunshot wounds at Lerchenauer See, while another person who was missing does not pose a danger to the public, according to the police. Unfortunately, another person was also injured and later pronounced dead n-tv.de reported.

Evacuations and safety precautions

Around 700 residents from surrounding residential buildings were evacuated and the police asked that they avoid the Lerchenau area as significant traffic disruptions were expected. The Theresienwiese, where the Oktoberfest takes place, is about 9 kilometers from the crime scene. Mayor Dieter Reiter stated that the safety of citizens was the top priority and confirmed the connection between the bomb threat and the sounds of explosions. All Munich residents are urged to stay away from the danger area and follow the authorities' instructions.

Crime and security situation in Munich

Current events are shining a spotlight on the security situation in the Bavarian capital. In the 2024 police crime statistics, Munich takes the top spot among large German cities for the 49th time in a row. Despite people returning to the city more frequently, police crime statistics have found an overall decrease in crime sueddeutsche.de shows. However, there are worrying increases in certain areas, particularly violence and theft.

Despite these difficulties, Police Chief Thomas Hampel emphasizes that Munich is a safe city to live in. However, rising violent crime, particularly among youth, has shed new light on the challenges facing the city.

Developments over the last few days are being closely monitored and investigations are in full swing. The city government has made it clear that the safety of the public is its top priority and citizens are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately. It remains to be seen how the situation will continue, but Munich residents can be sure that the authorities are doing everything they can to ensure safety and order.