Comment Traces of methanol – a colorless and highly toxic liquid – have been found in the bodies of all 21 teenagers found dead in a South African nightclub last month, as the investigation into the mysterious deaths that stunned the community continues. Government officials and members of the police and health ministry told a news conference on Tuesday that while the substance had been detected in the blood samples of all the teenagers, experts were evaluating the methanol levels recorded to determine whether the amount was “lethal” or “non-lethal”. deadly”. Litha Matiwane, the Eastern Cape province’s deputy director of clinical services, said initial tests ruled out alcohol poisoning and carbon monoxide as possible causes of death and that officials were awaiting more definitive results from a laboratory in Cape Town. The victims, aged between 13 and 17, were found slumped over tables and chairs inside the Enyobeni Tavern in the East London seaside town on June 26. Initial reports suggested gambling may have been to blame, though officials later said they believed the victims had inhaled or swallowed a toxic substance. There were no obvious signs of injury. The deaths have sparked a nationwide debate about underage drinking in taverns in South Africa’s black towns, which are plagued by poverty, high unemployment and a lack of basic services in a legacy of apartheid. The legal drinking age in South Africa is 18. Yonela Dekeda, spokeswoman for the Eastern Cape health department, told the Washington Post that initial test results were “not conclusive”. “There are more tests being done to determine exactly what the cause of death was,” he said. “We can’t say at this stage where they got the methanol from, whether it was from booze or something else. That is still unknown.” Families seek justice after South African nightclub deaths Methanol is often found in fuels, plastics, pesticides, paints and antifreeze. It is poisonous to humans and can cause a number of adverse health effects, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most methanol poisonings occur as a result of drinking beverages contaminated with the substance or drinking products containing it, the CDC says, adding that the signs and symptoms of exposure, which can lead to death, include nausea, dilated pupils, decreased level of consciousness and respiratory arrest. Methanol is sometimes bought in bulk and added to alcoholic beverages to increase profit, which can cause serious disease outbreaks, according to the Methanol Poisoning Initiative, launched by Oslo University Hospital and Doctors Without Borders. A witness told The Post that those suffering inside shouted “I can’t breathe” and “I’m suffocating” before they fell to the ground and died around her. Others recalled being “choked” by a substance that “smelled like gas”. Survivor describes nightclub disaster: ‘I can’t breathe’ Dekeda said final results may “take weeks or months” to be obtained. Asked if other possible causes of death were being investigated, she said: “Not at this time.” Last week, South African police said that The 52-year-old owner of the Enyobeni Tavern was arrested along with two employees, aged 33 and 34. The owner is expected to appear in court next month, facing charges that include supplying alcohol to minors, Reuters reported. The funeral of the 21 teenagers was held on July 6, with their coffins placed side by side, surrounded by candles and yellow and white roses. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a eulogy, sharing details about their lives, their personalities and their hopes for the future. “These are the lives we lost,” he said as he named the victims. “Our nation has lost young people who wanted to be doctors, teachers, policemen and women, lawyers, actors, businessmen and entrepreneurs.” In his speech, Ramaphosa said the government would crack down on those profiting from underage drinking. “We must lay the blame at the feet of those who make money off the dreams and lives of South African youth by breaking the law and selling them alcohol,” he said as he urged law enforcement officials and parents to work together to stop illegal events and other activities. “Today he is someone else’s child. tomorrow can be yours.” Wroughton reported from Cape Town.
