SEOUL HALLOWEEN HORROR

BY JAMES SMITH

South Korea was in a state of mourning as at least 153 people have died during Halloween celebrations in Itaewon, a packed nightlife area of Seoul. An estimated 100,000 people, most of them in costume, got together Saturday night as COVID-19 regulations were lifted and they had their first Halloween party in 3 years.

Reportedly there was chaotic scenes, caused by having such a large number of people in one setting, just before the disastrous crush that happened shortly before 10pm. There are many narrow and sloping alleyways, and it was one located near the Hamilton Hotel that was just four metres wide that so many were injured and killed in.

The President Yoon Suk-yeol declared a state of official mourning during a live address.

"As president, who is responsible for the people's lives and safety, my heart is heavy and I struggle to cope with my grief," Yoon said. "The government will designate the period from today until the accident is brought under control as a period of national mourning and will place top priority on administrative affairs in recovery and follow-up measures."

There is a fear the death toll may still rise as there's a reported 20 injured people in serious condition.

Source: The Guardian