Dozens of pupils suffered hyperventilation and suffocation when smoke bombs went off during their performance.

The youngsters were in the middle of a cheer dance routine when clouds of coloured smoke began filling the venue at the Bicol University in Bicol, the Philippines, on Monday.

Footage shows the pupils in uniforms enthusiastically waving their red-and-orange pom-poms as the haze of purple, blue, yellow, and green vapours swirled around them.

But several people collapsed moments later, prompting organisers to immediately cancel the event.

Medics rushed the stricken pupils to the school's library to be given first aid. Ambulances soon arrived to take the children to a local hospital.

Danica Rosales Briz, one of the performers, said: 'At first, everything was going well — especially when we ran to the centre of the oval. The dance was about to start when suddenly, a student set off a smoke canister. Then, more and more were released until thick smoke covered the entire area.

'It smelled awful, like strong chemicals. Some students stopped dancing, and I did too. I covered my nose with a cloth and sat down to avoid breathing in the smoke, while others continued dancing.

'I thought things would get better after the dance since the smoke canister had already been released earlier but I was wrong. Another smoke canister went off right after the performance, making it even harder to breathe. We had just finished dancing and were exhausted, trying to catch our breath, but instead of fresh air, there was even more smoke.

'After Hataw, instead of hearing cheers and laughter, we heard students calling for help. Many started to panic, and several even lost consciousness because of the thick smoke and difficulty in breathing. The university's health personnel immediately responded, providing first aid and assistance. Some students were also taken to the hospital for proper medical care.

'The smoke canisters were set off by the students themselves, as we were instructed that each block should bring two to be used during the last part of the event, after the dance.'

School paper The Bicol Universitarian said some of the students had prematurely popped their smoke bombs, which were meant to be deployed after the routine.

In a statement, Bicol University said the school intramurals have been cancelled following the incident.

A school spokesman said: 'In view of the unfortunate incident that occurred during the 2025 BU Hataw on October 20, 2025, and in consideration of the emotional and physical toll it may have caused to members of the University community, particularly the students, this Office deems it necessary to provide time for rest, recovery, and reflection.

'Accordingly, the postponement of all games and sports activities and the suspension of classes at all levels and in all colleges and units of the University are hereby declared tomorrow, October 21, 2025, to allow students to recover and to enable the University to extend appropriate care and assistance to those affected.'