17 dead after tear gas explodes in Caracas club: official

Seventeen people, including eight minors, were killed at a crowded Caracas club early today when a tear gas canister was detonated, setting off a stampede, Venezuelan officials said.

The deaths occurred after a party at the club degenerated into a brawl and someone detonated the tear gas, sending more than 500 people rushing for the exits, said Interior and Justice Minister Nestor Reverol.