GARFIELD — A joyous occasion turned frightening Friday night at the Venetian when three people on the dance floor at a wedding were injured when a compressed air cylinder spun out of control on the dance floor.

The CO2 tank was being worked on as part of the DJ display when it was knocked out of place at 11:11 p.m. While officers were responding to the catering hall it was being reported as an explosion inside the venue.

There were three victims— two males and one female ages 33 to 36 years old— who were taken to Hackensack University Medical Center with non life-threatening injuries, Garfield Deputy Police Chief Polonkay said. One male sustained a serious leg injury.

The wedding was stopped at that point. Well-dressed people could be seen leaving the River Drive venue past midnight, some in BMWs and a Lamborghini. Many, though, said they didn't hear anything at all.

Compressed air cylinders and CO2 tanks are typically used at weddings used throughout the night by the DJ as CO2 blast guns and other effects.

DJ and entertainment companies use CO2 canisters typically for handheld guns and cannons or jets that are attached to a surface or a lighting truss, Andrew DeLessio of Twilite Entertainment said. Twilite Entertainment was not the host of the event Friday.

"Tanks should be secured to prevent them from tipping over, which could dislodge the high pressure fittings," DeLessio said. "The fittings and hoses should be inspected on a regular basis to check for damage, worn gaskets and a tight fit. Unfortunately, there are companies out there that take this practice for granted."

The Venetian itself was not damaged.

Garfield police, fire and hazmat, Hackensack University Medical Center EMS and ALS responded to the scene.

The incident is under investigation by the Garfield police investigative division, Garfield Fire Department Fire Prevention Bureau, Bergen County Sheriff's BCI Unit and OSHA.

Email: jongsma@northjersey.com

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