At least 20 people have been found dead in a nightclub in East London, South Africa.
It was reported that a large number of ambulances and rescue workers were sent to the scene in the Eastern Cape region.
CAUSES OF DEATH UNCERTAIN
The club’s cause of death is unclear, with officials saying their priority will be to perform an autopsy.
The local Daily Dispatch newspaper wrote that the bodies at Enyobeni Tavern appeared to be piled in place.
THE AGE RANGE OF THE DEAD IS BETWEEN 18-20
The Police Spokesperson explained to reporters that most of the dead were young adults aged 18-20.
After the incident in the early morning, Eastern Cape Prime Minister Oscar Mabuyane did not say anything about the cause of death, but denounced “unlimited alcohol consumption”.
Mabuyane explained that Police Minister Bheki Chele traveled to the Eastern Cape with an additional team of experts to assist with the investigation.
“WE CAN’T BELIEVE THIS”
Mabuyane also said, “We can’t believe it… Young people who don’t have any disease, teenagers who should enjoy the winter holidays with their families just died.”
Earlier, Police Commissioner Lilian Mene of Nomthethele spoke to national broadcaster SABC about the allegation that “a stampede occurred inside the tavern”.
However, the Daily Dispatch, which entered the scene, reported that there were no visible injuries on the victims.
The newspaper wrote that the people on the dance floor collapsed as if they were dancing, lying on chairs and tables.
A Ministry of Health Spokesperson reported that the bodies have been taken to various morgues and autopsies will be carried out as soon as possible to determine the cause of death.