South African authorities have launched an investigation after at least 20 people were found dead in a nightclub in the city of East London.
It is unclear what led to the deaths of the young people, who apparently attended a party in the coastal town of East London to celebrate the end of the winter school exams.
The local newspaper Daily Dispatch reported that bodies were strewn across tables and chairs without any visible signs of injury.
Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said police had been notified by members of the public of the incident at Scenery Park, about three kilometers from the city center.
He told the news channel Newzroom Africa in the country that young adults between the ages of 18 and 20 were among the dead.
He said they were “found dead in a local hut in Scenery Park, in the vicinity of East London.
“We received this report on Sunday in the early hours of the morning. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently being investigated.
“We do not want to make any speculations at this stage. Our investigation continues. “
Siyanda Manana, spokesperson for the health department, said: “At this stage we can not confirm the cause of death.
“We are going to do autopsies as soon as possible to determine the probable cause of death. The deceased were taken to state mortuaries.”
A provincial security official told the AFP news agency that a rush was ruled out as the cause of death as there were “no visible wounds”.
Forensics [investigators] will take samples and test to see if there has been any poisoning of any kind, ”said Unathi Binqose.
The owner of the club, Siyakhangela Ndevu, told local broadcaster eNCA he was called to the scene early Sunday.
He said: “I’m still unsure of what really happened, but when I called in the morning, I was told the place was too full and that some people were trying to force their way to the tavern.
“However, we will hear what the police have to say about the cause of death.”