Halloween tragedy after mass panic in South Korea: number of victims rises to 149

At least 149 people were killed and 76 others injured during Halloween parties in Seoul on Sunday night. This is reported by the South Korean news agency Yonhap based on information from the authorities. The number of injured was stated as 150 in an initial report and later corrected.

The death toll could rise further, according to information. It was mainly young people who were affected. The bodies were transported to a sports hall in the morning hours, where they would be identified by relatives.

The tragedy took place in a busy nightlife area in Itaewon after crowds reportedly poured into a narrow side street. The exact circumstances of the tragedy were initially unclear. According to Yonhap, there was an alleged stampede.

According to eyewitness accounts, the streets around the accident site were so crowded that that rescuers struggled to make their way through the crowd.

Online videos circulating on social media showed dozens of people lying on the side of the road covered in blue plastic sheeting. In total, emergency services attempted to resuscitate more than 50 people, according to Yonhap. A total of 142 rescue vehicles were in use.

The annual Halloween festival is one of the largest public celebrations in Seoul. This year the event took place after the corona measures were largely relaxed. More than 100,000 people have moved to Itaewon district, according to media reports, most of them dressed up in Halloween costumes. “Itaewon is extremely busy every year, but this year was just crazy,” one woman wrote on her Instagram account.

President Yoon Suk-yeol chaired an emergency meeting on Sunday evening. To that end, he ordered more emergency services to be sent to the area and hospital beds ready.

According to Yonhap, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, who is currently visiting Europe, canceled all scheduled meetings and announced his immediate return.

(dsc/con/sda/dpa)