South African police say at least 20 people have been found dead in a nightclub.
The incident took place on Sunday in a nightclub on the outskirts of the South African city of East London, according to South African media.
Police Chief Brigadier Timbankosi Kenana said local police were investigating the incident.
The victims ranged in age from 18 to 20, he said.
Unconfirmed photos shared on social media show the bodies scattered in the club and no obvious signs of injuries.
According to media reports, police officers are trying to calm the crowd outside the club.
Eastern Cape Police Commissioner Lillian Mann told SABC News that there was an alleged stampede at the club.
However, Onethi Banquoz, a provincial community and safety department official who was present at the scene, said: “It’s hard to believe that the deaths were caused by the stampede because there were no obvious signs of injuries on the bodies of the dead.” ‘
According to Onethi Banquoz, people are standing outside the club looking for their loved ones.