After the stampede that killed more than 150 people in the South Korean capital of Seoul, investigations into the disaster are in full swing.
Prime Minister Han Duck Soo announced a thorough investigation on Monday. The government wants to determine the cause of Saturday night’s accident and take the necessary steps to ensure that such a tragedy does not happen again, he said at a meeting at the central disaster relief headquarters.
According to the police, they have started interviewing eyewitnesses and evaluating surveillance cameras at the scene and videos on social media.
The disaster caused a wave of sadness and horror in the country. It also raised questions about the role of the authorities and security measures.
The accident in the metropolis happened when tens of thousands of people gathered in the popular nightlife area of Itaewon for disorganized Halloween celebrations. According to eyewitnesses and information from the rescuers, numerous people were trapped in the extreme crowds on a narrow and sloping side street. Many fell to the ground, suffocated, were crushed or kicked to death.
Prime Minister Han called on people to refrain from making malicious comments and not to spread false information and disturbing images. “On the internet and on social media, some users are posting hate speech about the victims or distributing images and unconfirmed information about the sudden mass stampede.”
Some South Korean media criticized Monday that authorities were clearly not sufficiently prepared for the assault from such large crowds and the potential security implications. Interior Minister Lee Sang Min said on Saturday that even if more police and firefighters had been sent to the area, the accident probably could not have been prevented.
Police investigators, together with forensic experts, investigated the scene of the accident on Monday. Police have formed a special team of 475 people to investigate, said Nam Gu Jun, chief investigator of the National Police.
At least 154 people were killed in the mass accident, the Interior Ministry said. Among them were six teenage students.
All but one dead were identified. According to updated figures from Monday, 149 people were also injured, more than 30 of them seriously. Among the fatalities were 26 foreigners from different countries.
Shortly after the disaster, President Yoon Suk Yeol announced that a detailed investigation would be launched. He also announced a multi-day national mourning period until Saturday. On Monday, he visited a memorial to the victims of the accident in downtown Seoul. Near the scene of the accident, people laid flowers or lit candles to express their grief.
It was South Korea’s worst disaster since the Sewol ferry sank off the country’s coast in 2014, killing 304 people. Government leaders and states from around the world expressed their condolences. (sda/dpa)
Soource :Watson
I’m Ella Sammie, author specializing in the Technology sector. I have been writing for 24 Instatnt News since 2020, and am passionate about staying up to date with the latest developments in this ever-changing industry.
