Associated Press Posted Sunday, June 26, 2022, 6:43 AM EDT Last Updated on Sunday, June 26, 2022, 6:39 PM EDT
JOHANNESBURG (AP) – South African police are investigating the deaths of at least 21 people in a nightclub in the coastal city of East London early Sunday, and authorities said most of the victims were 13-year-old minors.
It is unclear what led to the deaths of young people who reportedly attended a party to celebrate the end of school’s winter exams.
The local newspaper Daily Dispatch reported that the bodies were scattered on tables and chairs with no visible signs of injuries.
“At this time, we cannot confirm the cause of death,” said health spokeswoman Siyanda Manana. “We will perform autopsies as soon as possible to determine the probable cause of death.
Police Minister Becky Celle said the age of the victims ranged from 13 to 17, raising questions about why underage teenagers are being served alcohol.
President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
“However, the president is concerned about the reported circumstances in which such young people were gathered in a place that at first glance should be banned for people under the age of 18,” Ramaphosa said in a statement.
The death toll from the accident rose to 21.
Club owner Siyahangela Ndevu told local media that he was called to the scene early Sunday morning.
“I’m still not sure what really happened, but when they called me in the morning, they told me the place was too full and that some people were trying to break into the tavern,” he said. “But we will hear what the police say about the cause of death.”
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