Several feared dead in Halloween accident in South Korea – NRK Norway – Overview of news from various parts of the country
Dozens of people died in several stampedes that occurred during a Halloween celebration in Seoul, Yonhap news agency reported, according to Reuters.
The accident occurred when a large crowd of people who were out celebrating Halloween were crowded together in a narrow street in the city’s lively nightlife district of Itaewon on the night of Sunday local time.
Videos shared on social media show paramedics giving CPR to people lying lifeless on the ground.
A large number of ambulances and rescue teams were dispatched to the scene, and ambulances shuttled to nearby hospitals.
Called to a crisis meeting
The police say that it is not yet known what triggered the crowding and panic, but that the accident is being investigated. According to local media, a stampede broke out when a large number of people rushed to a certain bar in Itaewon following rumors that an unnamed celebrity was there.
Choi Cheon-sik, a spokesman for the emergency services, says that at least 100 people were injured in the panic that ensued and that about 50 of them suffered cardiac arrest.
Choi goes on to say that several people may have probably lost their lives, but that he cannot confirm that.
President Yoon Suk-yeol has called an emergency meeting about the accident. He urges the responsible authorities to ensure that the injured receive prompt treatment and to ensure that there are enough available beds in the nearby hospitals.