They danced and died: Tragic teen party mystery in South Africa

In other countries incidents like this are caused by poisonous home-made alcohol. That might be at the top of the list of suspects.

Carbon Monoxide?

Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include:

Dull headache

Weakness

Dizziness

Nausea or vomiting

Shortness of breath

Confusion

Blurred vision

Loss of consciousness

and death.

They didn't say how many people survived.

It is winter in Cape Town, so burning stuff to keep warm without proper ventilation is possible. I haven't checked the weather in the area, but it is a bit chilly overnight, not freezing but chilly.

Just something else to consider. Alcohol poisoning would be the first thing to test.

What is anyone under 16 doing out at 2am?

theFu, it does indeed seem like carbon monoxide poisoning.

Hookahs in an enclosed, poorly ventilated space is deadly.

Even without hookahs, poor to no ventilation is a problem.