An alarm test and popping balloons led shoppers into a panic at the Florida Mall, and the ensuing frenzy resulted in the injuries of nine people on Thursday.
The
Orlando Sentinel reports patrons ran out of the mall after hearing what they thought was an active shooter, but what actually was an inspection test consisting of "six large balloons popping consecutively, followed by a fire alarm" for the
opening of 'NSync singer Joey Fatone's restaurant.
Orange County Fire Rescue says nine people were injured in "falls, scrapes and twisted knees," according to the
Sentinel.