Source::AP news
There were concerns the death toll could grow as 24 people among the 104 being treated for injuries were in critical condition, according to Seoul City’s disaster headquarters.
The dead included 19 foreigners, said Choi Seong-beom, chief of Seoul’s Yongsan fire department, whose jurisdiction includes Itaewon. South Korea’s Foreign Ministry did not confirm the nationalities of those victims, but it said it alerted those countries’ embassies in Seoul. The Chinese state news agency Xinhua said at least three Chinese nationals were killed.
Around 100 businesses in the Hamilton Hotel area have agreed to shut down their shops through Monday to reduce the number of partygoers who would come to the streets through Halloween Day.
It was not immediately clear what led the crowd to surge into the narrow downhill alley near the Hamilton Hotel, a major party spot in Seoul. One survivor said many people fell and toppled one another ‘like dominos’ after they were pushed by others. The survivor surnamed Kim, said they were trapped for about an hour and a half before being rescued, as some people shouted ‘Help me!’ and others were short of breath.
More than 1,700 response personnel from across the country were deployed to the streets to help the wounded, including about 520 firefighters, 1,100 police officers, and 70 government workers.
The disaster that killed the most people in South Korea was this one. In 2005, at a pop concert in the southern city of Sangju, 11 people died and about 60 others were hurt. During the lunar New Year holidays in 1960, 31 people died after being crushed on the stairs of a train station as large crowds rushed to board a train.
“The crowd surge in the Itaewon area on Saturday night caused a hell-like chaos as people fell on each other ‘like dominos.’ Some people were bleeding from their noses and mouths while being given CPR, while others clad in Halloween costumes continued to sing and dance nearby, possibly without knowing the severity of the situation.” Said, Witnesses.
“I still can’t believe what has happened. It was like a hell. I performed CPR on 10 people who were unconscious and nine of them were declared dead on the spot. 10 were mostly women wearing witch outfits and other Halloween costumes.” Said said Kim Mi Sung, an official at a non-profit organization that promotes tourism in Itaewon.
“This is really devastating. The tragedy and disaster that need not have happened took place in the heart of Seoul amid Halloween (celebrations), I feel heavy hearted and cannot contain my sadness as a president responsible for the people’s lives and safety.” Said South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol.
“Horrific news from Seoul tonight. All our thoughts are with those currently responding and all South Koreans at this very distressing time.” Said British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak._AP news
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