In a tragic turn of events, nearly 151 people were killed in a stampede while celebrating Halloween in the Itaewon district, Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. It is also reported that additional 82 people were injured.
According to officials, an estimated 100,000 people were gathered in the Itaewon district for Halloween festivities. This has been the biggest outdoor event since the COVID pandemic began. The stampede took place around 10:20 p.m. when a crowd pushed forward in a narrow alley near Hamilton Hotel a major party spot in Seoul. At least 50 people suffered from “cardiac arrest.” South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a period of national mourning on Sunday, as it was so miserable to see such a disaster happening in the heart of Seoul. The president ordered flags at government buildings and public offices to be raised at half-staff.
World leaders express their condolences. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Joe Biden, and British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak offered their deepest condolences to the families who lose their loved ones.