South Korea to investigate Halloween tragedy that left over 150 dead [Video]

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

• At least 154 have died from a crowd crush during the Halloween festivities in Seoul, South Korea.
• Several events have been canceled following the tragedy, which is the country’s deadliest since the 2014 sinking of the Sewol ferry.
• Prime Minister Han Duck-soo vowed a thorough investigation of the incident.

The South Korean government will thoroughly investigate the Halloween crowd crush that killed over 150 people during Saturday’s festivities, Prime Minister Han Duck-soo declared on Monday.

The country mourned as the death toll reached 154 as of writing. At least 149 were injured, with at least 33 in serious condition. Among the deceased were citizens hailing from at least two dozen countries.

The popular Itaewon district in Seoul has become a thriving nightlife destination after over two years of pandemic restrictions. The area was packed as tens of thousands crowded into the narrow streets and alleyways for the first virtually unrestricted Halloween festivities in three years. Several of the party-goers were teenagers or young adults dressed in costume.

Tragedy soon struck as people poured into a narrow, sloping alley that was already crowded.

A small makeshift altar formed at an exit of the district’s subway station as people laid white chrysanthemums, candles, and drinks a few steps away from the scene of the incident.

The country went into mourning as nearby shops closed. Halloween events, K-pop concerts, and government briefings were canceled.

The prime minister declared, “The government will undertake a thorough investigation into what caused this accident and do its best to make necessary institutional changes so that such an accident is not repeated.”

He added that all 154 deceased, except for one, have been identified.

“We will do our best to provide necessary support by reflecting the opinions of the bereaved families as much as possible,” he continued.

Han called out people who blamed victims, spread false information, or posted disturbing scenes of the incident. Six related cases are currently being investigated by the National Police Agency.

President Yoon Suk-yeol designated Itaewon a disaster zone and announced a period of national mourning. On Monday, he visited a memorial altar and paid his respects to victims.

The Halloween tragedy is the deadliest in the country since 2014, when at least 304 people died from the sinking of MV Sewol. Most of the victims were high school students. South Koreans criticized the official response to the ferry disaster, prompting the government to reevaluate safety measures. Saturday’s tragedy could lead to similar action.

Source: Reuters