South Korea today mourns the deaths of more than 150 people, mostly in their 20s and 30s, trapped and crushed after a large Halloween party crowd stormed an alley famous for its nightlife in Seoul.
Witnesses said the surge in crowds Saturday night in the Itaewon area caused hellish chaos as people fell on top of each other “like dominoes.” Some people were bleeding from their noses and mouths as they received assistance, witnesses said, while others dressed in Halloween costumes continued to sing and dance nearby, possibly unaware of the seriousness of the situation.
“I still can’t believe what happened. It was like hell,” said Kim Mi Sung, an official with a non-profit organization that promotes tourism in Itaewon. He said that ten unconscious people were given assistance. Nine were declared dead on the spot. They were mostly women who wore Halloween witch costumes.
As of Sunday, authorities put the number of dead at 153 and wounded at 133. But the Interior and Security Ministry said the death toll could rise further as 37 of the wounded are in serious condition. Ninety-seven of the dead were women; 56 men. More than 80% were between 20 and 30 years old. And at least 20 citizens of China, Russia, Iran and other countries.
An estimated 100,000 people gathered in Itaewón for the Halloween festivities. The South Korean government had eased COVID-19 restrictions in recent months. Witnesses said the streets were densely packed with people and slow-moving vehicles, and it was virtually impossible for emergency workers and ambulances to quickly reach the alley of the incident, located near the Hamilton Hotel.
Although Halloween is not a traditional holiday in South Korea, it is still a big draw for young adults, and costume parties at bars and clubs have become very popular in recent years.
Itaewon, near where the former headquarters of the US military in South Korea operated for decades before moving out of the capital in 2018, is a district known for its trendy bars, clubs and restaurants. It is the main Halloween destination in the city.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a week-long national mourning on Sunday and ordered flags at government buildings and public offices to fly at half-staff. During a televised speech, he said that supporting the families of the victims, including the preparation of their funeral, and the treatment of the wounded would be one of the main priorities of his government.
He also asked officials to fully investigate the cause of the accident and review the safety of other major cultural and entertainment events to ensure they are held safely. “This is really devastating. The tragedy and disaster that did not have to happen took place in the heart of Seoul in the middle of the Halloween (celebrations),” Yoon said during the speech. “I feel heavy and I cannot contain my sadness as a president responsible for the life and safety of the people.”
Associated Press/OnCuba.
