South Korea: At least 120 dead after crowd crush during Halloween festivities in Seoul
Jane Dalton
Sat, 29 October 2022 at 8:12 pm·2-min read
(AFP via Getty Images)
At least 120 people have been killed and 100 more were injured a crowd crush during Halloween festivities in the South Korean capital Seoul.
Some of those injured are in a serious condition and the death toll could grow, emergency authorities have warned. Many of those caught up in the stampede suffered a cardiac arrest, officials said.
Images from the scene showed dozens of bodies lining the street, while footage posted on social media showed first responders performing CPR as they attempted to save the lives of those injured.
UK prime minister Rishi Sunak described what happened as horrific. “All our thoughts are with those currently responding and all South Koreans at this very distressing time,” he tweeted.
The crush happened when a densely packed crowd began surging forward in an alley near Hamilton Hotel, a major party spot in the Itaewon district popular for its nightlife.
Emergency services at the scene following the crush in Seoul’s Itaewon district (EPA)
More than 400 emergency workers from around the country, including practically all available personnel in Seoul, were sent to treat the injured, an official said.
Ambulances lined up in the streets, police turned out in force and emergency workers moved the injured onto stretchers. Many people were taken to hospital. Many of the party-goers were wearing masks and Halloween costumes.
Some of those injured are carried away from the scene (Getty Images)
Some local media reports earlier said the crush happened after a large number of people rushed to a bar after hearing a celebrity was visiting.
A local officer said he was told that a stampede occurred on the streets where a crowd of people gathered for Halloween festivities.
South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol called for officials to ensure swift treatment for the injured and to review the safety of the festivity sites.
He also instructed the health ministry to swiftly deploy disaster medical assistance teams.
The easing of Covid restrictions meant thousands had gone out to celebrate Halloween (REUTERS)
Local media said around 100,000 people flocked to Itaewon’s streets for the Halloween festivities, which were the biggest in years following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in recent months.
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