One Dead, Five Injured in Shooting at Rave Party in Northern Switzerland

One person has been killed and five others wounded, some seriously, following a shooting at a rave party in Aarau, northern Switzerland, police said on Sunday.

Authorities launched a large-scale operation to locate the suspected perpetrators, whose identities remained unknown as investigations continued.

Police said the motive and circumstances surrounding the shooting had not yet been established.

Gunfire erupts during rave

The incident occurred at the racecourse in Aarau, where thousands of people had gathered for the annual Aarauer Rave, a major techno music event.

Swiss media reported that approximately 3,500 people attended the event, which began on Saturday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Sunday.

Police spokeswoman Vanessa Rumpold told local media that several shots were fired within a large crowd at the venue.

Witnesses reported hearing gunfire at around 2:30 a.m., while the party was still underway. Some attendees initially mistook the sounds for fireworks before the seriousness of the situation became apparent.

Several partygoers reportedly sought shelter in a nearby gymnasium following the shooting.

Major police operation launched

Police deployed armed officers across the region as they searched for those responsible.

An AFP journalist reported seeing armed officers positioned along highways as far as 30 kilometres from the scene.

Local media also reported the deployment of an army helicopter in Aargau, alongside numerous police officers, emergency responders and medical teams.

A video shared on social media by a local resident appeared to show deserted streets in Aarau, with what sounded like gunshots audible in the background.

Investigation underway

Authorities have not identified a suspect or released information about a possible motive.

Police said the investigation remains active as officers work to establish what happened and identify those responsible.

The shooting has raised concerns among residents and eventgoers, although authorities have yet to indicate whether the incident was targeted or linked to any wider threat.

Further details are expected as investigators continue gathering evidence and speaking to witnesses.