By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Chemical poisoning has been identified as the cause of the death of 21 teenagers at Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park, East London on Sunday.
Authorities are yet to identify the specific chemical inhaled.
Preliminary investigations point to the release of carbon monoxide in the tavern.
The police crime scene experts found a petrol generator inside the venue where hundreds of young revellers partied from Saturday night into early hours of Sunday morning.
It’s unclear whether the petrol generator was running and how long it was on for. However, witnesses and survivors who were at the tavern during the incident confirmed there was no power at the venue, although there was no load shedding schedule.
The chief medical officer at the East London mortuary, Dr Solomon Zondi, told the Mail and Guardian a gaseous explosion at the tavern could be linked to the deaths.
He suggested a gaseous substance was released.
The Eastern Cape health department has confirmed forensic experts are doing a further analysis of samples the department sent to the University of Cape Town.
Eastern Cape health spokesperson Yonela Dekeda confirmed that samples were sent to Cape Town but declined to answer further questions, saying the matter is under police investigation.
She said the results would be sent to the police.
Dekeda added that the fact that the samples were sent to Cape Town did not mean there was a lack of capacity in the Eastern Cape.
Meanwhile the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has called for the effective policing of clubs and taverns after the tragic death of 21 teenagers at a local tavern.
“We will engage our counterparts at the South African Police Service (SAPS) to understand why clubs and taverns are not being policed effectively. This is not an isolated incident where taverns allow underage drinking. The might of the law needs to deal with these taverns and clubs that re carrying out illegal activity,” the NYDA said.
The agency has called on law enforcement to conduct a transparent and speedy investigation, and to hold to account those who are responsible for this tragedy.
“We cannot allow the deaths of young people to be in vain,” the NYDA said.
The NYDA will meet with the Departments of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities; Social Development and Communications to get an update on the proposed legislation on the banning of alcohol advertising.