On Sunday morning, the country awoke to the tragic news of the mysterious deaths of several teenagers.😞

Hundreds of youngsters gathered at Enyobeni Tavern in East London’s Scenery Park township to celebrate the end of the school term at the venue, where free rounds of alcohol, wifi and photoshoots were promised to attendees, News24 reported. But after a night of partying, 21 teenagers aged between 13 and 17 were dead. 

The settlement, which is a combination of state-built houses and shacks, is one of the most underdeveloped areas in the Buffalo City Metro (BCM). 

There is no official word on what caused the deaths. The Eastern Cape Health Department has confirmed that samples were taken for testing, and autopsy results were expected soon.

Independent experts seem to have ruled out the possibility of a stampede or pepper spray. Although there was speculation that carbon monoxide poisoning may be the culprit this has not been confirmed. Some reports noted the electricity was out despite no load shedding scheduled, and a petrol generator was being used. 

However, as the chief medical officer at the East London mortuary, Dr Solomon Zondi, said to Drum magazine, why did [only] these 12 girls and nine boys die? 🤔

Meanwhile, The Eastern Cape Liquor Board has shut down the establishment pending the investigation and also laid charges against its owner – who has apologised – for allowing minors into the establishment and selling alcohol to them.

A mass funeral will be held on Wednesday. It’s a devastating story, and our prayers go out to their families. 🙏🏾