Authorities found the toxic chemical methanol in the bodies of 21 individuals — mostly teens — who died last month at a bar in South Africa, officials from the country’s government said during a press conference on Tuesday.
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Methanol in the blood presented in all the individuals who died on the morning of June 26. The Police Ministry, South African Police Service (SAPS) Department of Health and Provincial Government of the Eastern Cape all reported the findings.
The chemical is not typically in alcohol for consumption — although it is sometimes in moonshine. The chemical is colorless but has a strong scent. Even small amounts of the liquid can lead to death.
Now, investigators are trying to find out whether the levels of methanol were high enough to have killed them, officials said at the press conference. Results from the final toxicology report are expected soon.
The individuals hailed from Eastern Cape, according to the video announcement. They died of what was initially mysterious circumstances at the Enyobeni Tavern, which is located in East London’s Scenery Park. Most of the teens were between 13 and 17 years old, ABC News reported.
“The venue was packed. Entrance was free… and free alcohol was also being dished out. We started drinking and having fun with others,” a 16-year-old girl anonymously told BBC News. “They were dropping like flies.”
Authorities reportedly found the bodies of the deceased on floors, chairs and tables in the bar.
Police, as well as liquor license authorities, quickly launched investigations, according to ABC News.
Punishment could be coming swiftly
South African police said last week that they had arrested three suspects. Those arrests include the tavern’s owner — as part of their investigation into the incident, according to BBC News. Police reportedly detained the suspects over allegations that they sold alcohol to children under at 18.