Authorities in South Africa are getting closer to finding answers regarding what happened to 21 teenagers who died inside a bar.
Twenty-one teenagers dropped dead inside the Enyobeni Tavern in Scenery Park, East London, South Africa, on June 27th. The deaths made international headlines with theories from mass suicide to monoxide poisoning floating around on the internet. However, Dr. Litha Matiwane, Eastern Cape provincial deputy director for clinical service, has confirmed that each of the deceased had Methanol in their system at the time of death. It remains unclear how the toxic chemical got inside the teen’s bodies. Levels of alcohol and carbon monoxide were also found in some of the victims.
The teenagers’ bodies were found at the tavern sprawled across tables, the floor, and slumped over chairs. The victims ranged in age from 13 to 17 and had no signs of trauma.
Methanol is a dangerous substance that can be absorbed through the eyes, skin, lungs, and stomach. The liquid is largely used industrially as a pesticide, solvent, and alternative fuel source. It is not used in the production of consumable alcohol.
Right now, officials are still working to determine if the high levels of Methanol were enough to cause the deaths or if anything else contributed. They are also working to determine if anyone will face charges.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is pleading with the public to give the teen’s family privacy.
