Popping balloons cause minor panic at the Mississippi State Fair

Several fairgoers panicked last night at the sound of balloons popping.

Mistaking the sound for gun fire, many at the Mississippi State Fair began running, causing minor injuries to about 30 people, reports WLBT.

Injuries were mostly scraping, bruising and a few lacerations that could need stitches.

Major Pete Luke with the Hinds County Sheriff’s Department said the balloons popping coincided with an altercation between several fairgoers. No weapons were involved, and officers on duty calmed the situation within a few minutes.