KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 30 – The death toll from a stampede that broke out during a Halloween celebration in the city of Itaewon, South Korea has gone past 150, according to a news report from Yonhap news agency.
The stampede is reported to have taken place when there was a sudden crowd surge at a narrow 4-meter-wide downward alley, according to Yonhap. More than 80 people were also injured in the stampede described as the deadliest in South Korea.
According to the news agency, massive crowds of partygoers had piled into the narrow alley Saturday night to celebrate the first maskless Halloween season since the first COVID-19 outbreaks in early 2020 after the outdoor mask-wearing mandate was completely lifted nationwide in September.
South Korea has also announced a national mourning period.
South Korea’s Foreign Miniser Park Jin in his Facebook account said all assistance were being provided to the victims of the tragedy including foreigners while condolences started pouring in for the victims.
“Deeply appreciate all the messages of condolences from around the world in this time of tragedy. Your thoughts and support are of great comfort to the Korean people in this moment of heartbreaking grief. We are putting all our efforts into providing necessary support and assistance to the bereaved and injured, including foreign citizens.”
A total of 19 foreigners were reported to be killed in the stampede.
-WE