National Police Minister Becky Seely told reporters upon his visit to the scene that he could not yet determine what had happened at the scene, but said some of the victims were as young as 13 years old.
The minister said samples from the bodies would be taken to toxicology laboratories in Cape Town for more advanced analysis.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed his condolences to the families of the victims.
“While the President awaits more information about the incident, his thoughts are with the families who lost their children as well as families awaiting confirmation of how their children may be affected,” a statement from the presidency said.
The statement added that the president expects the law to take its course after investigations into the tragedy.
Eastern Cape Police spokesman Brigadier Thempinkosi Kanana told CNN earlier that the cause of the accident was currently under investigation.
Lots of people gathered at the scene trying to find their loved ones. Police Minister Seal traveled to the scene in Century Park, where he told a large crowd: “The call is for parents to see their children in good health, and the call is to the community to say we cannot allow our children to die.” Reuters reported that his impromptu visit was broadcast live on television.
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