One person has died and five others suffered injuries after gunfire erupted overnight at a rave party in Aarau, northern Switzerland, near Zurich, according to local police.
Authorities deployed a large police operation to the scene, alongside the canton’s disaster management unit and a military helicopter. Police have not identified the suspected shooter or shooters, while the operation remains ongoing.
A witness who spoke to Swiss newspaper Blick described scenes of panic and said she initially thought the noise came from fireworks. She said she and other partygoers only realised what was happening when someone shouted, “Everyone get down!” The group then took cover beneath the DJ booth.
Local media reported that authorities have urged members of the public to stay away from the area, indicating that the suspect may still remain at large. Videos posted on social media appear to show the panic among partygoers as repeated gunshots ring out.
The annual music event, which attracts a large number of young people, runs from the early afternoon until 2 a.m. Local reports put attendance at around 3,500 people.
Authorities have warned that the danger has not yet passed as police continue searching for the suspected gunman.
Police officers also helped evacuate partygoers to a nearby gymnasium, where they were taken to safety.
