In a devastating incident during Halloween celebrations, at least 120 people lost their lives and around 100 sustained injuries in a stampede in central Seoul, South Korea. The chaos unfolded as thousands flocked to the narrow streets of the popular Itaewon district, a hub for Halloween festivities. Eyewitness accounts and official reports indicate that the tragic event occurred around 10:22 PM local time, with many victims tragically trampled in the frenzy.
Fire Department official Choi Seong-beom described the situation, stating, “The high number of casualties was the result of many being trampled during the Halloween event.” The grim reality is that the death toll may rise as rescue operations continue. Officials reported that at least 50 individuals were in cardiac arrest, prompting the dispatch of over 140 ambulances to the scene to assist victims.
This year marked a significant moment as it was the first Halloween celebration in South Korea since the pandemic began in 2020, where citizens were not mandated to wear face masks outdoors. The incident has raised concerns about crowd control and safety measures during large public gatherings. President Yoon Suk-yeol has ordered authorities to mobilize first aid teams and ensure hospital beds are available for the injured.
Key Takeaways
- The stampede in Seoul highlights the dangers of overcrowding during public events.
- Emergency response teams were crucial in managing the aftermath of the disaster.
- This event marks a turning point as it is the first mask-free Halloween since the pandemic began.
- The incident has sparked discussions on the importance of crowd control measures at large gatherings.
