Before Oktoberfest starts: Fatal accident before Wiesn: Roller coaster construction continues

Following the fatal accident during the construction of the Olympia Looping roller coaster at the Oktoberfest The police are continuing to investigate the course of events leading up to the accident. Police work and evidence collection at the scene of the accident have been completed, said a spokesman. The investigation will examine, among other things, whether there may have been “behavior that is reprehensible in terms of negligence”. However, so far there have been no specific accusations against anyone.

On Monday, a worker was fatally injured during a test ride on the legendary roller coaster. The 20-year-old was hit by a train and was left lying under the tracks with serious injuries. He died a short time later in hospital. The man was probably in the track area, explains the police. An appropriate warning should be given before the test drive.

Construction should continue

“The construction work on the ride should resume on Tuesday,” said Dirk Metz, spokesman for the operator, to the German Press Agency. It is hoped that the roller coaster can go into operation as planned on Saturday at the start of the Oktoberfest. “But as always, this requires approval from the TÜV,” said Metz.

Despite the highest safety precautions, accidents do occur during the assembly and dismantling of the meadow, but fatalities are unusual. Such incidents usually have nothing to do with the basic operational safety of the rides, which are thoroughly checked before the start of the festival. This also includes regular on-site inspections by the TÜV.

The final work is currently underway on the festival grounds. The 189th Oktoberfest is set to open on Saturday. The Wiesn is considered the largest folk festival in the world. Six million visitors are expected by October 6th.

© dpa-infocom, dpa:240917-930-235014/1