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At least 20 found dead in South Africa nightclub At least 20 found dead in South Africa nightclub
(about 2 hours later)
South Africa's Minister of Police Bheki Cele is on his way to the site of the tragedy, an official says Forensic teams are investigating at the the scene
At least 20 people have been found dead in a nightclub in South Africa's East London city, officials say. At least 20 young people have been found dead in a nightclub in the South African city of East London.
Bodies were found at the Enyobeni Tavern early on Sunday, and reports say several people were injured. The cause of death is unknown. Local media say bodies lay inside the Enyobeni Tavern as if they had collapsed, but there were no visible injuries on the victims.
"The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation as we speak," a police spokesman told the Newzroom Africa television channel. Post-mortem examinations are due to be carried out at mortuaries.
"We do not want to make any speculations at this stage," Brigadier Tembinkosi Kinana said. The premier of Eastern Cape province, where Sunday's tragedy happened, said police experts were on the way.
A large number of emergency service personnel are on the scene in the Eastern Cape province. Premier Oscar Mabuyane did not give possible reasons for the deaths, but condemned the "unlimited consumption of liquor".
Relatives of the victims have been unable to see their bodies, reports say, and locals have called for the venue to be closed. "You can't just trade in the middle of society like this and think that young people are not going to experiment," he added.
Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Nomthetheleli Lilian Mene told SABC News that "there was an alleged stampede inside the tavern". Police told reporters most of those found dead were aged between 18 and 20.
The BBC has been unable to verify this and details are still emerging. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday.
Four people have been taken to hospital, SABC reports. Siyanda Manana, a spokesman for Eastern Cape's health department, told South Africa's News24 TV: "We are going to conduct post-mortem examinations as soon as possible to establish the probable cause of death."
Brigadier Kinana told reporters most of those found dead were young adults aged between 18 and 20. Were you in the area? Did you witness the incident? If it is safe to do so email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.
Eyewitnesses told the Daily Dispatch newspaper that bodies were lying inside the venue as if they had collapsed on the floor. Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
A spokesperson for Eastern Cape's health department told News24 the dead bodies were taken to various nearby mortuaries. WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
Siyanda Manana added: "We are going to conduct autopsies as soon as possible to establish the probable cause of death." Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
South Africa's Minister of Police Bheki Cele was on his way to the Eastern Cape with an additional team of experts to help with investigations, the province's premier Oscar Mabuyane said. Upload pictures or video
"We can't believe it... Young people who were not sick, young people who should be with their families enjoying their winter holidays - they just have lost their lives like that," he added. Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy
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