In South Korea’s capital, Seoul, around 151 people died in a crash as huge Halloween crowds surged into a narrow street.
Around 82 people were injured in the incident in the Itaewon nightlife area. Most of the dead were teenagers or in their 20s. Nineteen were foreigners.
The cause of the disaster is still being established.
Following an emergency meeting. South Korea’s President, Yoon Suk-yeol, directed the formation of a task force to assist in the treatment of the injured. He also started looking into what caused the crush.
He said, “it’s truly horrific”. As the President, who handles the people’s lives and safety. My heart is heavy and struggling to cope with my grief.
WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT – At least 149 people, mostly teenagers and young adults in their 20s, were killed in South Korea when a crowd celebrating Halloween surged into an alley in a night-life area of Seoul https://t.co/ZBB3cKhxO5 pic.twitter.com/evlVibGuUw
— Reuters (@Reuters) October 29, 2022
He also ordered all government officers to lower their flags to half-mast, according to his office.
He wished that the injured would get a speedy recovery. Also, the government will ensure support for the funeral preparation of the people who lost their lives in the deadly incident.
U.S President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden sent their condolences writing: “We grieve with the people of the Republic of Korea and send our best wishes for a quick recovery to all those who were injured.”
Social media footage showed hundreds of people packed in the narrow, sloped alley crushed and immobile as emergency officials and police tried to pull them free.
Early on Sunday costumes and personal belongings mingled with blood spots in the narrow street. Survivors huddled under emergency blankets amid throngs of emergency workers, police, and media.
It was the first Halloween event in Seoul in three years. After the country lifted COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing. Many of the partygoers were wearing masks and Halloween costumes.
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