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17 dead in Venezuelan nightclub stampede

WASHINGTON, June 16 (KUNA) -- At least 17 people died Saturday at a nightclub in Venezuela after a tear gas canister went off causing a stampede of people.
Eight of the victims were younger than 18 and suffered from asphyxia or blows to the body as people rushed to escape the fumes, according to government officials cited by the Washington Post.
"A fight started at midnight, and one of the people activated a gas artifact that originated the stampede of more than 500 people that were there," Interior Minister Nأ©stor Reverol said on state television.
Seven people have been detained according to witnesses and the club has been closed down.
"The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela deplores this sad event and sends condolences to family members of the victims," Reverol said. (end) ak.ibi