South Korea: 151 killed, 82 injured in stampede during Halloween party in Seoul

Hundreds of primarily young people celebrating Halloween in Seoul were trapped and crushed after a mob entered a remote roadway, resulting in at least 151 deaths and 82 injuries. The incident occurred in Seoul, the capital of South Korea. This tragedy is the worst of its kind to emerge in recent history.

Following the rush in the capital’s Itaewon area yesterday night, emergency personnel and civilians quickly delivered CPR to those who were lying in the streets. The chief of the Seoul Fire Department, Choi Sung-byom, stated that the number of fatalities could increase and that 19 of the injured were in critical condition.

It’s still unclear what caused the mob to rush down the narrow. According to one survivor, numerous people collapsed and knocked each other over like dominoes after being pushed by others. The survivor claimed he was trapped for almost an hour and a half before being freed. People yelled for help while others were gasping for air.

Yoon Suk-yeol, President of South Korea, declared a national day of mourning, commenting that it was unfortunate that such a catastrophe occurred in the heart of Seoul. U.S President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden sent their condolences as they mourned with the Korean people. Olaf Scholz, the chancellor of Germany, also expressed his sympathy. He tweeted, “It’s a terrible day for South Korea.”

Since the pandemic’s beginning, the country’s largest outdoor Halloween celebrations have drawn some 100,000 people to Itaewon. The South Korean government has recently reduced the restrictions imposed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on Twitter, “On behalf of all Canadians, I express our heartfelt condolences to the people of South Korea following the terrible incident in Seoul”.

Newly appointed British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said, “Our sympathies are with the emergency services and all South Koreans at this very difficult moment”.