July 19: This month, families and neighbors mourned at the mass funeral for 21 teenagers who died in a mysterious tragedy in the South African city of East London. The horrifying scene occurred at a nightclub in the early morning hours of June 26 and is still being investigated. 

The youngsters were partying after the end of school exams.

Most of the teenagers were found dead in the nightclub tavern, lying on tables, slumped in bar chairs and on couches, and sprawled on the dance floor. Some, still alive, were rushed to hospitals but did not survive.  The youngest was a 13-year-old girl.

Investigations indicate that methanol may have been the cause of death. 

Methanol, a toxic form of alcohol that is used in industry as a solvent, pesticide or as a fuel source, was found in many of the victims. Methanol is not used in alcohol sold for human consumption.

Police are investigating how the teens ingested methanol and whether the levels of the substance were high enough to have caused their deaths. 

A full toxicology analysis is underway in Cape Town, which will determine if criminal charges will be issued. 

Police have ruled out alcohol poisoning and carbon monoxide, although traces of both have been found in the bodies of all the victims. 

The owner of the tavern and some of the employees have been arrested and face charges for violating liquor laws and the sale of liquor to minors. Selling liquor to children under age 18 is against the law in South Africa. Further charges could be filed if it is determined that the children were poisoned. 

“They died as they danced,” Police Minister Bheki Cele said. “They dance, fall, and die. Literally.”