Fog vapour BURNS children at Hollywood Teen Choice Awards pre-party as smoke machine malfunctions on stage

Nearly two dozen 8-20 year-olds were hurt when thick fog engulfed the Avalon Hollywood nightclub last night



Attendees feared the smoke could be a copy-cat attack after Friday's chilling theatre shooting in Colorado

The event, held to celebrate tonight's award ceremony, was canceled after descending into chaos

Nearly two dozen young music fans suffered burns and breathing problems at a pre-party for the Teen Choice Awards in Hollywood last night when a special-effect fog system malfunctioned on stage.

Strong 'theatrical fog vapour' was pumped into the air harming 22 people aged between eight and 20 who were among 400 gathered at the Avalon Hollywood for the event. Six of the guests were hospitalised.

Footage of the incident shows fog spreading through the venue so thick that party-goers could not see directly in front of them.

Smoke: Theatrical fog vapour, pictured, was pumped into the Avalon Hollywood when a smoke machine malfunctioned, harming 22 people

'Along with respiratory irritation, a few patrons who contacted dripping liquid from apparent heavy use of smoke effect have superficial burn,' Los Angeles Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphrey told NBC .

Hazmat teams arrived on the scene just after 6pm and fire fighters filled the streets.



Officials said the special-effect fog system malfunctioned releasing large amounts of carbon dioxide into the venue. The injuries were due to the cold temperature at which the liquid normally operates.



Crews: Hazmat teams arrived on the scene just after 6pm and fire fighters, pictured, filled the streets surrounding the venue

Most victims felt better after fresh air and examination.



Witnesses said the incident resulted in panic, with children screaming as smoke filled the event, held to celebrate the awards ceremony due to air at 8pm tonight on FOX.



Parents comforted their children on the street outside the venue, many of whom were crying.



One mother, whose asthmatic daughter was taken to hospital in an ambulance, told NBC she feared the worst, particularly after Friday's horrific theatre shooting in Colorado.

Panic: Parents comforted their children on the street outside the hotel, many of whom were crying

'Given what happened two days ago in Colorado you think 'oh my God' what if this is that,' she said. 'It's a mess.'



The Teen Choice Awards party was called off after the incident.



Boy band Midnight Red, who were performing at the event, wrote about the chaos on Twitter.

'Club smoke canisters malfunction. Small panic. Show cancelled by Fire team, not MNR for safety which best for all,' the band tweeted.

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