Worker dies after accident at Munich Oktoberfest ride

A worker at a ride at Munich's Oktoberfest died of serious injuries sustained in an accident, police said early.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances of the suspected workplace accident on Monday evening. Passengers were never in danger, police said.

The incident happened at a free-fall tower, where passengers are carried high into the air before the gondola drops rapidly.

Police said the worker had apparently been in an area where he should not have been and was then struck and possibly crushed.

The 52-year-old man was resuscitated at the scene and taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, but later died.

A crisis intervention team provided support to witnesses of the accident. The area around the ride was cordoned off during the large emergency response.

The 191st Oktoberfest began on Saturday and runs until October 4. More than 6 million people attend the world-famous beer festival each year.

Around 600 police officers and hundreds of security staff are deployed around the festival.