At least 12 people were injured in a shooting near a festival in the U.S. state of Ohio, while police continue searching for the suspects involved.

Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said two of the victims remain in critical condition. Preliminary investigations suggest that at least two individuals exchanged gunfire and were likely shooting at each other.

The incident triggered panic among festival-goers, with crowds running for cover as shots were fired.

According to the Toledo Police Department, the shooting occurred near the annual Old West End Festival, a community event featuring live music and tours of historic homes.

The incident once again highlights the issue of gun violence in the United States, where thousands of people are killed or injured in shootings every year.