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Popping Balloons Mistaken For Gunfire At Mall

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ORLANDO (CBSMiami/AP) - Nearly a dozen people were injured when popping balloons were mistaken for gunfire at an Orlando mall.

Orange County Sheriff's Officials spokeswoman Deputy Rose Silva said the six large balloons were popped as part of an industry-standard inspection for the grand opening of former 'NSync singer Joey Fatone's new restaurant.

Deputies say an announcement was made on the PA system informing shoppers and employees that the test was about to be conducted, but the loud noises still caused people to run.

Orange County Fire and Rescue officials say nine people were injured when shoppers frantically tried to flee the mall. Four were hospitalized for minor injuries, the others were treated on the scene.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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