Police in the Southern city of East London have launched a probe into the deaths of twenty-two teenagers who were found at a nightclub in a township in South Africa’s southern city of East London this morning.

It’s understood that the patrons were celebrating pens down, a party held after writing high school exams.

Police reports indicate that the bodies were found lying strewn across tables, chairs and on the floor, with no obvious signs of injury. However, the cause of the tragedy is not yet known but there are reports that the deaths could be linked to a poisonous substance such as a gas leak or a possible stampede at the tavern.

As such, post-mortem examinations including toxicology tests will be conducted to establish a cause of death.

Meanwhile, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured that the law will take its course once the investigations have been concluded.

“This tragedy is made even more grave by its occurrence during Youth Month – a time during which we… advocate and advance opportunities for improved socio-economic conditions for the youth of our nation. “Ramaphosa outlined in a tweet.