South Korea
Stampede in South Korea: At least 59 dead and 150 injured at Halloween celebrations in Seoul
Rescue workers and firefighters are on duty at the accident site in Seoul. photo
© Lee Ji-Eun/Yonhap/AP/dpa
Dozens of people have died during Halloween celebrations in a nightlife district in the South Korean capital. Much is still unclear.
At least 59 people have died and 150 others have been injured during Halloween celebrations in Seoul. This was reported by the South Korean news agency Yonhap at night, referring to statements by the fire brigade. She previously reported that dozens of people had suffered cardiac arrest in the crowded narrow streets of Itaewon District.
Seoul: Firefighters resuscitate a number of people at the same time
Photos and videos on social networks showed more than a dozen people lying on the ground and being cared for by rescue workers. Footage also shows several people being resuscitated at the same time. According to the fire department, more than 140 ambulances were on site.
President Yoon Suk-yeol ordered more emergency personnel to be sent to the region and hospital beds to be prepared. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who is currently visiting Europe, is said to have announced his immediate return, according to Yonhap. The exact reasons for the tragedy were initially unclear.
Halloween celebrations have taken place in South Korea for the first time since the beginning of the corona pandemic in 2020. The tragedy happened in Itaewon, a nightlife district in the South Korean capital.