Munich police spokesman says 'dozens' hurt at Oktoberfest, some critical; driver killed

Dozens were injured last night after a driver plowed his car into a crowd of people celebrating Oktoberfest in Munich. At least 10 are in critical condition. Police say the attack doesn't appear to have been politically motivated.

Police spokesman Guido Neppach said this morning that there is no indication of any political or religious background and that it appears the driver, who was later killed by police, acted alone.

The driver's motivations are still being investigated. He had a history of drunken driving and drug offenses but nothing to indicate he could carry out an attack like last night's.

At least 28 people were taken to hospitals with injuries from last night's incident, some of them life-threatening. Among those injured was a child, Neppach said.

Oktoberfest, which began today and runs through Oct. 3, attracts more than 1 million visitors each year to Munich's fairgrounds. The massive celebration kicks off the Bavarian brewing season and includes beer tents and traditional music.

The driver entered the festival grounds just before 6 p.m. and drove about 2 miles down a busy pedestrian promenade before police used a spike strip to stop him. He then crashed into a railing at high speed, killing himself instantly, Neppach said.

Oktoberfest was canceled in 2010 after a man killed himself by setting himself on fire near the festival grounds.

We wish those injured a speedy recovery and for everyone else there to have a great time!

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.