A shooting took place at a rave music event held at the horse racetrack in Aarau, northern Switzerland, early this morning. Police reported multiple injuries, while local media initially suggested one death and five injuries. However, police have not confirmed these figures and have mobilized forces to cordon off the area and urgently track the suspects.
Several gunshots were fired during a rave music event at the horse racetrack in the Schachen district of Aarau, Argau state, Switzerland, early Sunday morning (30 August). Argau state police said they were alerted after 02:30 and confirmed multiple shots fired amid a large crowd of attendees.
Police stated there are "multiple victims" but have not disclosed whether there are fatalities. Local media initially reported one death and five injured, some critically. However, these numbers have not been officially confirmed by police.
Authorities deployed substantial personnel including police cars, ambulances, and firefighters, cordoning off the racetrack area and checking individuals and vehicles approaching the scene. Additionally, Swiss military Super Puma helicopters and Argau state disaster response units joined the operation.
Vanessa Rampold, spokesperson for Argau state police, said the incident occurred at the racetrack but exact details remain unclear. Police confirmed multiple shots were fired from a large group of people.
Pascal Wenzel, Argau state police spokesperson, stated the situation remains a "special situation" and the search for suspects continues. It is not yet confirmed whether any suspects have been arrested.
Police urged the public to avoid the Schachen area and warned against approaching the scene as operations are ongoing. Furthermore, the Aarau swimming pool is closed on Sunday until further notice.
An eyewitness said her friend at the event hid under the DJ stage, while another attendee initially thought the noises were fireworks before realizing they were gunshots.
Swiss media reported the shooting occurred after 02:30. Released video clips contain sounds resembling multiple gunshots. Authorities are requesting anyone with photos or videos from the incident to provide them to police to aid the investigation.
The incident happened during Aarau Rave Vol. 7, a techno music event running from Saturday afternoon into early Sunday, with about 3,500 attendees. Concurrently, the city also hosted "Musig i de Altstadt Aarau," a music event in the old town.
Police have not disclosed the motive, number of perpetrators, or confirmed whether suspects remain in the area or have fled. Search and investigation efforts continue.
Aarau is located in Argau state in northern Switzerland, approximately 40 kilometers from Zurich.
/sourceBlick/swissinfo.ch