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Oktoberfest Disrupted by Munich House Fire, Death, and Injuries

Oktoberfest was shaken by a tragic fire. A suspect's threat led to a temporary closure, but the festival has since reopened with a notable dip in visitors.

On the left side of the image there are few people. Behind them there are statues, which were...
On the left side of the image there are few people. Behind them there are statues, which were burning. In the background there are lights.

Oktoberfest Disrupted by Munich House Fire, Death, and Injuries

A house fire in Munich yesterday resulted in a tragic death and injuries, while also disrupting the ongoing Oktoberfest celebrations. Authorities have attributed the crime to a family dispute, ruling out political motives.

A 57-year-old man is suspected of setting the fire and taking his own life while evading police. Two women were injured in the blaze: a 21-year-old with minor injuries and an 81-year-old with moderate gunshot wounds. The body recovered from the burned-out house is believed to be that of the suspect's 90-year-old father, although police have not yet confirmed this.

The incident led to a temporary closure of the Oktoberfest on Wednesday due to a threat from the suspect. He had warned against attending the festival, hinting at a 'bombastic experience'. The festival resumed at 5:30 PM, but attendance was notably lower, with quieter alleys and fewer visitors at sales stands. The economic impact of the closure is still being assessed, but the Oktoberfest has been 'very good' so far. The President of the Bavarian Landtag, Ilse Aigner, has not yet commented on the incident.

The Oktoberfest has since resumed, with beer tents opening at 10:00 AM today. However, suggestions to extend the festival as a sign of resilience have little chance of happening due to prior commitments. The investigation into the house fire and the suspect's threat continues, with authorities working to confirm the identity of the deceased and understand the full extent of the incident's impact on the Oktoberfest.

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