Casualties and injuries at Aarau event

A major investigation has been launched in Aarau after a shooting at a rave party in Switzerland. In a statement on Sunday morning, police said 22-year-old Maria Spinelli died at the scene, while five people aged between 24 and 27 were taken to hospital for treatment.

The injured were identified as four men and one woman, with conditions ranging from minor to serious. The attack took place during a techno event at Schachen racecourse in Aarau, about 46 kilometers west of Zurich.

Nationwide search for the attacker continues

Police said the first emergency call came in around 02:30 local time. Officials said there is still no concrete evidence as to whether the attack was carried out by one person or more than one, but they believe the suspect or suspects are no longer in Aarau.

  • The area around Schachen racecourse, including the city's swimming pool and sports field, was cordoned off.
  • Police asked witnesses at the scene to share any photos and videos with investigators.

Kantonspolizei (cantonal police) said additional units were deployed outside Aarau as a precaution. Firefighters, the regional disaster response unit KKE, and a Swiss Army helicopter that conducted an early sweep over the area also took part in the operation. According to German news agency DPA, the investigation is being carried out in cooperation with police in Freiburg.

Italy is closely watching the investigation

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she believes the Swiss authorities will clarify all aspects of the incident and identify those responsible. The Italian Foreign Ministry said it had sent officials to Zurich to monitor the investigation closely, while the embassy in Bern and the consulate general in Zurich are following developments.

The ministry also said two Italian citizens who suffered minor injuries had returned home after receiving treatment. Agency Events AG, the organizer of the event, which was expected to draw up to 3,500 people, said it would cooperate with the police investigation.

Eyewitnesses said they heard gunshots shortly after the music stopped. Although private gun ownership in Switzerland is among the highest in Europe, deadly shootings remain rare in the country.