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BRAWL ERUPTS DURING AKON/T-PAIN GIG IN AUSTRALIA: Eighteen people injured, several hospitalized when rival gangs collide. (video)

(October 28, 2009)

*Rival gangs in Melbourne, Australia clashed during a concert featuring Akon and T-Pain on Sunday (Oct. 25), leaving 18 people injured -- 11 of them hospitalized and treated for lacerations, bruises and other minor injuries. (Watch video below.)

The artists were headlining a show at the HiSense Arena when gangbangers in the audience started tripping. At one point, Akon jumped into the crowd to try and stop the violence, but to no avail.

"I don't know if y'all know how hard it took me to get here," Akon said from the shoulders of a security guard. "It took me almost two years for Australia to let me back in the country and I'm not going to let them f**k up our concert tonight."

Akon had been unable to get a work permit in Australia due to his prior criminal record.

One man was arrested in Sunday's melee for assaulting and knocking a security guard unconsciousness.