A state of emergency has been declared since the early hours of Wednesday in northern Munich, where a major police and fire brigade operation is underway. Special forces and bomb disposal units have also been deployed, as authorities investigate possible links to Oktoberfest. As a precautionary measure, the beer festival remained closed on Wednesday morning.

Police expressed significant concern that the incident may be connected to Oktoberfest. In a statement they said: “At this time, we are investigating all possible directions. We are examining potential connections to other areas in Munich, including Theresienwiese.”

It should be noted that Oktoberfest is the world’s largest folk festival, held annually in Munich’s Theresienwiese square in the Ludwigsvorstadt-Isarvorstadt district. It lasts two weeks and ends the first weekend of October.

According to Bild, there were reports of explosions and gunfire in the city. Around 04:40 a.m., the fire brigade received a call about a fire in a residential building. Shortly afterward, reports of loud bangs were recorded.

A short time later, a male body with gunshot wounds was found near Lake Lerchenauer. Police believe the deceased had previously booby-trapped the house — reportedly his parents’ home — with explosives and set it on fire before committing suicide.

The man was found carrying a backpack, raising concerns it could contain explosives. Bomb disposal experts are on the scene conducting inspections. For safety reasons, police initially accessed the area only by helicopter.

Authorities are also searching for another individual who has been reported missing. According to police, their disappearance is not believed to pose a danger. Lake Lerchenauer is about a five-minute drive from the residence that caught fire.

Police have cordoned off a large section of Lerchenauer Straße in northern Munich and are advising residents and drivers to avoid the area or take alternate routes. A nearby elementary and middle school on Toni-Pfülf-Straße will remain closed until the investigation is complete.