Oktoberfest opening sees multiple beer-related deaths and several tent closures due to overcrowding

Dominik Krause, accompanied by his fiancé, inaugurated the 191st Oktoberfest, and Markus Söder was handed the first Maß. By mid-afternoon, eleven individuals were listed as beer-related fatalities, the earliest reported at 15:45. Overcrowding prompted the shutdown of several large tents such as the Käferzelt, Kufflers Weinzelt, and others, with some only accepting reservations.

Visitors were redirected to open beer gardens and balcony seating. The city also offered on-site flu and COVID-19 vaccinations during the festival. Additionally, the XXL Racer attraction was temporarily stopped because of a technical malfunction, though no riders were on board.