South Africa deaths: what happened in East London nightclub - as at least 22 people found dead

At least 22 teenagers have died in a nightclub in South Africa in unknown circumstances on 26 June.

Police were called to the scene at Enyobeni Tavern,  in the Scenery Park township where they found 22 bodies and several others who were reportedly injured.

Police minister Bheki Cele, who visited the scene said that those who had died were aged between 13 and 17 years old. The legal minimum drinking age across South Africa is 18.

Several emergency and mortuary vehicles were seen parked near Enyobeni Tavern on the morning of 26 June.

The tragedy occurred during South Africa’s Youth Month, a month which commemorates the massacre of school children during the Soweto Uprising of 1976, and focuses on ways to help young people in the country prosper.

How did the tragedy occur?

It is unclear what led to the deaths of the young people, who were reportedly attending a party in the South African coastal town of East London to celebrate the end of winter school exams.

Local newspaper Daily Dispatch reported that bodies were strewn across tables and chairs without any visible signs of injury.

Initial reports had suggested that the nightclub had been overcrowded and there had been a stampede which may have caused the deaths. However, this has been ruled out as a factor because the victims did not have any physical injuries.

Other reports suggested that the deaths may have been caused by a poisonous gas leak. At this point, no official cause of death is known.

Health department spokesman Siyanda Manana said: “At this point we cannot confirm the cause of death.

“We are going to conduct autopsies as soon as possible to establish the probable cause of death. The deceased have been taken to state mortuaries.”

The owner of the club, Siyakhangela Ndevu, told local broadcaster eNCA that he had been called to the scene at around 1am on Sunday.

He said: “The place was very chaotic, it was full of children and young boys. It was full right up to the gate with some children forcing themselves in with security guards finding it hard to  control the situation.”

He added: “I am still uncertain about what really happened, but when I was called in the morning I was told the place was too full and that some people were trying to force their way into the tavern.

“However, we will hear what the police say about the cause of death.”

The bodies have been taken to mortuaries where post-mortem examinations will be carried out to determine the cause of death.

Who are the victims?

Those who died in the tragedy have not yet been named. There has been mixed reporting about the age of those who died, but the police minister Bheki Cele confirmed that the victims were aged between 13 and 17.

Local reports also said that relatives have not been allowed to see the bodies and have been heard calling out the names of their dead loved ones at the scene.

What has the response to the tragedy been?

President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, shared his sorrow for the tragedy over Twitter.

He wrote: “My deepest condolences go to the families of the 22 teenagers who lost their lives at a tavern in Scenery Park, East London, in the early hours of this morning.

“This tragedy is made even more grave by its occurrence during Youth Month – a time during which we celebrate young people, advocate and advance opportunities for improved socio-economic conditions for the youth of our nation.”