A late-night techno rave in Switzerland turned deadly after gunfire erupted at a horse racing track, leaving one young woman dead and at least five other people injured.
The shooting happened at around 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, during a rave in the Schachen district of Aarau, according to Swiss authorities and local news reports.
Police rushed to the scene after receiving reports of multiple gunshots at the event, which was being held at a horse racing track.
A 22-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene, the Aargau Cantonal Police said.
Five other people — four men and one woman between the ages of 24 and 27 — were taken to the hospital with injuries ranging from minor to severe. Authorities said all of the victims are residents of Switzerland.
The suspected shooter had not been captured as of Sunday morning, and police launched a large-scale manhunt.
“The manhunt for the unknown perpetrator is underway,” police said, adding that the motive and exact circumstances surrounding the shooting remained unclear.
Authorities also urged the public to stay away from the area while investigators worked to piece together what happened.
The Aargau Racing Club, which operates the venue, said the rave had been “overshadowed by a serious incident” and that emergency crews were immediately called to the scene.
“Our deepest sympathies go out to all those affected and their families,” the organization said, while asking people not to speculate as the investigation continues.
Swiss DJ Tekibo, who said he was at the rave, later revealed on Instagram that one of his friends had been killed.
“What happened at Aarauer rave is absolutely heartbreaking and something that should never happen at our scene,” he wrote.
He added that techno events are supposed to be places of “freedom and safety,” and said he was struggling to process the loss of his friend.
“I don’t have the right words for it,” he wrote, adding that he planned to take some time away.
Police have opened a major investigation as the search for the gunman continues.
