At least 20 people have been found dead in a South African nightclub

South African police are investigating the deaths of at least 20 people at a nightclub in the coastal city of East London early Sunday morning.

It is not clear what led to the deaths of the young people, who reportedly attended a party to celebrate the end of the winter exams at school.

The local newspaper Daily Dispatch reported that the bodies were scattered on tables and chairs in the Enyobeni tavern without visible signs of injuries.

Autopsies have been ordered

“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. The deceased were taken to state morgues.”

People are standing behind a police cordon in front of a nightclub, where police are investigating the deaths of at least 20 young people. (Associated Press)

Police Minister Becky Celle was expected to visit the scene on Sunday.

Club owner Siyahangela Ndevu told local television eNCA that he had been 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 that the place was too full and that some people were trying to break into the tavern by force,” he said.

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