Stampede in Itaewon leaves nearly 150 dead

[Fritz]

At least 146 people have been killed and 150 others were injured after the stampede in Seoul on Saturday night, according to local fire authorities.

The victims were crushed by a large crowd pushing forward on a narrow street during Halloween festivities near the Hamilton Hotel in the Itaewon area, a major leisure and nightlife district in the capital.  The Halloween celebration attracted approximately 100,000 to the streets – which is believed to be the biggest in South Korea since the country recently eased its COVID-19 restrictions.

However, the merriment quickly turned into tragedy as young people reportedly rushed to see an unidentified celebrity at a nearby bar.  Hundreds of partygoers poured into a narrow alley near the Hamilton Hotel.  The massive influx of people caused many to fall to the ground and get crushed.

The grisly aftermath shows lifeless bodies strewn on the pavement covered by blue blankets. Some unconscious people are seen getting CPR to try to save their lives. South Korean officials say approximately 50 people suffered from cardiac arrest.

[reader17]

SO SAD!! This is horrible all to see some unidentified celebrity. My Thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of those that have died. RIP.

[Fritz]

The death toll stand now stands at 154 with 26 being foreign nationals from 14 countries including US, Iran, Uzbekistan, China, Russia, and Norway.

A National period of mourning has been declared for Oct. 30 - Nov. 5.  During the period, all government offices and overseas missions will lower their flags to half-mast and cancel or postpone nonessential public events.