At least 149 people have died in South Korea's Halloween stampede. More than 150 people were injured in this incident. The incident took place in the Itaewon area of the capital Seoul around 10:30 pm local time.
A few videos of the crash site are available on social media. It can be seen that the body is kept in bags on the road. Rescue workers are trying to save the injured by providing emergency medical care. They are lying on top of each other on the road, trying to rescue them.
Cause of accident: Choi Sung-beom, a Seoul fire service official, said the stampede occurred when a large number of people gathered in a narrow alley during Halloween celebrations. Many of the injured are in critical condition. It is feared that the death toll may increase. Yongsan Fire Department Chief Choi Seong-bum publish the update after 6 a.m. local time in Seoul (5 p.m. ET), as day broke and officials sorted through what was left in the crowded streets of the popular nightclub district.
In 2020, the Halloween festival in Seoul was closed after the start of the corona pandemic. After this, this festival was held for the first time, where there was no obligation to wear masks. Every year at the end of October, Halloween festival is held in different countries including Europe and America in 'remembering the dead souls'.
The Etheon area of Seoul is a very attractive place for Halloween festival celebrants. Lakhs of people gathered in that area on Saturday night. Before the incident of the stampede, many people reported the overcrowding there on social media. Some also mentioned that the place is not safe.
According to eyewitnesses, there was a chaotic situation before the stampede. which goes beyond the control of the police. Then the police could not handle the people anymore.
A few videos of the crash site are available on social media. It can be seen that the body is kept in bags on the road. Rescue workers are trying to save the injured by providing emergency medical care. They are lying on top of each other on the road, trying to rescue them.
A temporary mortuary has been set up in a building adjacent to the scene. Among the injured are foreigners. However, it was not immediately known whether the injured were nationals of any country.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol called an emergency meeting after the incident. Officials said that the cause of the incident is being investigated.
Biden is concerned about the situation in Seoul
US President Joe Biden briefly reacted to the tragic news out of South Korea, Speaking to reporters Saturday evening.He has not yet been fully briefed and will issue a lengthy statement later, the president said.
“I will make a statement when I find out more about it. I literally just heard about it from staff on the way down in the car,” Biden said outside a polling place in Delaware where he cast a primary vote.
At last reported, more than 140 people had died and at least 150 were injured, local officials believe, as the crowd surged during packed gatherings.
