Crushed to death – at least 149 people die at Halloween celebrations in Seoul
More than 400 rescue workers were deployed
Credit: AFP/JUNG YEON-JE
At least 149 people have been killed during Halloween celebrations in South Korea, according to official figures. They were probably crushed to death in a crowd on a narrow street in Seoul. At least 76 were injured.
Dhe death toll in the Halloween tragedy in the metropolis of Seoul has risen to 149. This was announced by the fire brigade on Sunday morning (local time), as reported by South Korean broadcasters. 76 people were injured in the mass accident in a busy nightlife district of the South Korean capital. The number could still rise as many people were seriously injured. Previously, 150 were injured. The tragedy happened in the nightlife district of Itaewon after crowds reportedly poured into a narrow side street. The people were probably crushed to death, said fire chief Choi Seong Beom. Several people suffered cardiac arrest. Several foreigners were also taken to hospitals. The death toll could continue to rise.
According to local media reports, the crush came about because numerous people rushed to a bar where a prominent person is said to have stayed.
Credit: AP/Lee Jinman
The incident happened late in the evening around 10:20 p.m. local time (3:20 p.m. CEST). According to police, dozens of people were given first aid at the scene. More than 400 rescue workers have been dispatched across the country to treat the injured.
According to media reports, around 100,000 people were out and about in Itaewon for the first Halloween celebration since the start of the 2020 corona pandemic.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol ordered security arrangements for celebrations to be reviewed.
Source: dpa / Lee Ji Eun
Scholz shocked by Seoul’s Halloween drama
Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed his condolences to the bereaved and victims of the Halloween tragedy in South Korea. “The tragic events in Seoul shock us deeply,” said the SPD politician late on Saturday evening on twitter With. “Our thoughts are with the many victims and their families. This is a sad day for South Korea. Germany stands by their side.”