Manhunt Underway After Woman Killed, Five Injured In Switzerland Shooting

A manhunt is underway in Switzerland after a 22-year-old woman was killed and five other people were injured in a shooting at an event in the northern town of Aarau, police have said.

According to SkyNews, the incident occurred at a rave in the early hours of Sunday, with some of those injured reported to be in serious condition.

Police said “night-time shots” were reported in Schachen, Aarau, the capital of the northern Swiss canton of Aargau, prompting a major security operation.

Authorities urged members of the public to avoid the area as officers cordoned off the local horse racing track, swimming pool and sports field.

The “Aarau Rave VOL. 7” was being held at the horse racing track when the shooting occurred, according to Swiss public broadcaster SRF.

A witness told Swiss newspaper Blick that gunshots were heard at about 2:30am local time and that he unsuccessfully attempted to revive a woman who had suffered a gunshot wound.

Police said the 22-year-old woman died at the scene, while four men and another woman, aged between 24 and 27, were taken to hospital with injuries ranging from minor to serious.

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All six victims are Swiss residents.

According to Blick, people attending the rave initially thought the sounds were fireworks before someone shouted “everyone down”.

The shooting reportedly occurred shortly after the event had ended.

Police said the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack remained unclear, while the identity and whereabouts of the suspected gunman were not immediately established.

The event organisers had advertised the gathering as a techno party at a covered horse racing track, with about 3,500 people expected to attend.

The Aargau Racing Club, which operates the venue, expressed shock over the incident.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to all those affected and their families, who are facing this difficult and trying situation,” it said on its website.

“We would like to thank the emergency responders and all others involved who worked professionally and with dedication on the scene.”

Swiss DJ Tekibo, who performed at the event, also expressed his grief on Instagram, saying “what happened at Aarauer rave is absolutely heartbreaking”.

“Techno and raves are supposed to be a place for freedom and safety, never a place where something like this happens,” he added.

Aarau, which has a population of about 22,300, is located approximately 28 miles west of Zurich.