By: Natasha Archary
Traces of carbon monoxide have reportedly been found in the bodies of the Enyobeni Tavern victims.
While the official report of the autopsies from the teenagers have not been released, carbon monoxide poisoning is suspected to be the cause of death.
Preliminary reports show traces of the toxic fumes were found in the bodies of the 21 teenagers who died at the tavern in Scenery Park, East London on Sunday.
As reported by News24, the Eastern Cape Health Department is awaiting final results from the University of Cape Town’s forensic pathology lab.
Analysts are finalising their investigation, having gone through the victims stomach contents.
The fumes were reportedly released by a petrol generator which was said to be used inside the tavern. Crime scene investigators noted the generator was empty when it was found.
Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that has no smell or taste. Symptoms from carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, headaches, weakness, chest pains and vomiting, all of the symptoms survivors of the Enyobeni tragedy had.
The toxic fumes replaces oxygen in the bloodstream which can lead to death, as the brain, heart and body becomes starved of oxygen.
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