- South Korean president declares national mourning, more than 150 people die in the crowd
According to the latest figures, 153 people, including 22 foreigners, died in a stampede during Saturday’s Halloween celebrations in the South Korean capital of Seoul.
South Korean President Jun Sok-jol declared a national day of mourning for Sunday. According to him, the government will thoroughly investigate the cause of the accident so that such a tragedy does not happen again.
Among the dead, according to firefighters, were people from China, Iran, Uzbekistan and Norway, Citing firefighters
Firefighters also said 82 people were injured. They added that 22 people were in serious condition. Initially, authorities spoke of 150 injured.
According to rescuers, it is possible that the death toll will rise, “There was a tragedy in the heart of Seoul last night and a disaster that should not have happened,” he said.
According to firefighters, people are believed to have been crushed to death after a large crowd began pushing forward in a narrow alley near the Hamilton Hotel, Seoul’s main party venue, around 22:20 local time (15:20 CEST).
According to local media, around 100,000 people gathered in Itewon, which is known for its many bars and nightclubs, to celebrate Halloween.
The place is also popular among foreigners living in South Korea and tourists.
It was the first major Halloween event in three years. It came after the country lifted restrictions to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
