Exposure to ‘poison’ at a nightclub leaves 17 dead with underage children among the victims

At least 17 people have been found tragically dead, including underage children, in a nightclub after possible exposure to a “poison”.

Police and paramedics responded to the scene at the Enyobeni tavern in the South African city of East London in the early hours of June 26.

However, more than a dozen people were discovered dead, including children under the age of 18, who had allegedly gone out to celebrate the end of exams, local officials confirmed.

Devastated parents discovered their children were among the dead after images of their bodies circulated on social media, with families crying outside the tavern trying to get inside.

Investigations have suggested a stampede occurred when one or two DJs attracted an “unexpected number” of young people to the small venue. The mirror informs.

However, an official said early photos from the scene appear to suggest the cause of death is unlikely to have been a stampede, as the bodies are described as lying on chairs with no obvious signs of injury.

The cause of death is unknown, but early speculation suggested the punters may have been exposed to a type of poisonous substance. Eastern Cape Community Safety spokesperson Unathi Binqose told Newzroom Afrika they would “take a closer look” at what was being sold at the pub.

He said: “What is clear is that there was a stampede that occurred, but if it is the cause of the deaths that will be the subject of the forensic investigation.

“Some of the bodies were found on tables, there were no open wounds, there were no bruises that could indicate a stampede. We are talking about a small tavern.

“There were bodies found on both floors so it may call the stampede issue into question.

“We’re told some are underage, meaning they’re under 18. That’s not a legal age to be in a tavern or liquor store in SA.”

“Just looking at the bodies there are some who are under 18 years old.

“They tell us there are no pens… They also tell us there have been ‘masks’ as it was announced not too long ago that it is no longer necessary to wear masks in South Africa.

“Those with serious concerns for their children have now begun to head to the morgue as they have been advised to do. They will have the opportunity to identify their loved ones.

“As we’ve said on the subject of a stampede, it doesn’t seem to be the only cause, so we’ll have to dig deeper, take a closer look at what’s being sold in the tavern.

“Of course, the bodies will also have a lot of detail during autopsies of what may have been a contributing factor to the deaths.”

Outside the tavern, panic spread that several children might be among the dead, as “many distraught parents” returned home to find that their children were not there, and gathered outside the tavern for answers.

Binqose said: “There are many anxious parents waiting, some came from the night shift and when they got home they were told that their children were not there.

“Some were crying and some of the images have circulated on social media, images that are supposed to be part of the forensic investigation.”

He added: “The tavern owner will certainly have a lot to answer for. The license issue will have to be discussed.”

“We will dig and investigate everything to get to the bottom of this because we have to make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Police and forensic officers remain at the site where the bodies of the deceased are being removed and a full investigation is underway.

The South African Police Service, SAPS, said they did not wish to speculate on the cause of the deaths until the investigation was complete.

Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana told Newzroom Afrika: “The SAPS confirms an incident where people were found dead in a public house in Scenery Park in the East London area.

“We received this report in the early hours of Sunday. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation as we speak.”

“We do not want to make any speculation at this time, our investigation continues.”

The popular Enyobeni tavern is a club in Scenery Park, South Africa, in the British city of the same name that is located on the south-east coast.

The port city that was built around the Buffalo River was originally known as Port Rex, but was renamed after the capital of the United Kingdom in the mid-19th century.

Don’t miss out on the latest news from Scotland and beyond – sign up for our daily newsletter here.

READ NEXT:

– New victim of sex crimes fugitive Nicholas Rossi says she was abused and attacked by an American scammer

– Anne’s Law Campaign to Enshrine Visitation Rights for Nursing Home Residents Nears Winning Line

– Patient went blind after doctor accidentally removed wrong eye during operation