Saturday, October 29, 2022
*Update: A total of 151 people, mostly young people in their 20s and two foreigners, are reported to have been killed and dozens of other people injured in a Halloween festival at Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea, in the night from Saturday to Sunday.
Below was the original article posted right after the outbreak of the accident:
Some 50 people are reportedly suffering from cardiac arrest in the Itaewon area of Seoul, South Korea, Saturday night ahead of the Halloween, as a lot of people have flocked together in the capital city’s exotic village to enjoy the festival.
Fire authorities said they received more than 80 emergency calls from the area, mostly in front of the Hamilton Hotel, a landmark at Itaewon, at around 10:15 pm and dispatched rescue workers to provide emergency measures. Exact cause and number of people injured (or even killed) are under investigation.
President Yoon Suk-yeol instructed officials to swiftly administer first aid and treat the people, according to the presidential office.
Itaewon is known as Seoul’s “International District” and is home to many foreigners in South Korea, as it also serves as a hip place where not only foreign visitors but local people gather for some exotic atmosphere and nightlife excitement.
More than 100,000 people came into the small town with narrow back streets as they were to enjoy the first Halloween without masks on their face in more than two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
K-News