Deadly Halloween Crush in South Korea Kills More Than 150, Authorities Begin Investigation

More than 150 people were killed in a stampede in South Korea's capital Seoul when crowds of tourists and partygoers were crammed into a narrow alley in the city's nightlife district.

Several reports said that authorities are still looking into how the tragedy specifically unfolded. Internet videos suggest that the crowds became too big and that later on, the authorities began receiving calls about people who had been buried in the crowds.

According to CNN, Itaewon has been a well-known place to celebrate Halloween, particularly in recent years as the holiday gained popularity in Asia. For the festivities, some people even fly into Seoul from other neighboring nations.

However, the celebrations have been halted in recent years due to the pandemic. It was only last Saturday, Oct. 29, that the country lifted major restrictions and approved Halloween celebrations in the district. Hotels and ticketed events in the area were also fully booked months in advance, and huge crowds were anticipated.

Tens of thousands of people, mostly teenagers dressed up in elaborate Halloween costumes, arrived on the district Saturday night for the first major Halloween celebration after Covid-19 restrictions were lifted.

Videos and images shared on social media show a crowded street with people standing shoulder to shoulder, chock-a-block in a narrow street.

Many people were transferred to nearby facilities after the tragedy, and bodies have been taken to multiple hospital mortuaries. Families gathered near the scene as officials compiled a list of the missing and deceased.

Authorities Begin Investigations

As per Reuters, President Yoon Suk-yeol, who has declared a period of national mourning and classified Itaewon as a disaster zone, visited a memorial altar near Seoul City Hall on Monday, Oct. 31 and paid his respects to victims.

Meanwhile, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo assured the public that the government will conduct an extensive investigation into the cause of the accident. The top official even pledged to make the necessary institutional changes to ensure that such an accident does not happen again.

"Identification has been completed for all of the 154 deceased except one, and I believe it is time for follow-up measures such as funeral procedures to be carried out in earnest," Han said.

"We will do our best to provide the necessary support by reflecting the bereaved families' opinions as much as possible," the official added.

Americans Among Seoul Crush Victims

According to NPR, at least two US citizens were among the people killed in the devastating stampede in South Korea's capital on Saturday night, as confirmed by the US Embassy in Seoul.

Authorities disclosed that the incident in the Itaewon neighborhood resulted in the deaths of at least 26 foreign nationals. Following reports, the US Embassy in Seoul has started assisting US citizens impacted by the incident in Seoul's Itaewon area by working with local authorities and offering consular support.

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Written by John Lopez