At least 149 people were killed and 150 were injured after becoming trapped and crushed by what South Korean authorities believe became a stampede in a popular neighborhood in Seoul Saturday evening.
Authorities are investigating what caused the “presumed stampede” to form, and families are attempting to search for relatives as scores of mostly young people remain missing and unaccounted for. The tragic incident occurred in Seoul’s Itaewon district, which is known for its nightlife and narrow streets. Local media estimated that as many as 100,000 people, both tourists and locals, would be out in the neighborhood this weekend for Halloween festivities on Saturday, as COVID-19 restrictions barred people from gathering over the last two years.
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While what sparked the stampede remains unknown, fire officials said that there was no gas leak or fire in the area. Instead, authorities began receiving calls to respond to reports of people being “buried” in crowds starting after 10 p.m. local time. Pictures and video posted to social media as the stampede began showed bystanders crushed together and unable to move.
Within hours, more footage circulated, this time of emergency responders working to revive victims as they lay sprawled out on the pavement. Rescue workers and law enforcement struggled to drive through the packed streets to reach the stampede and assist, causing even more chaos as people attempted to flee the area.
A number of local hospitals are now treating the wounded. South Korean-based Yonhap News Agency reports that dozens of those killed suffered from “cardiac arrest” and breathing difficulties.
A Seoul police division commander told reporters early Sunday that little could be reported on the cause because “identifying the victims is our top priority. Our forensic teams are focused on identifying victims and collecting evidence from the site.”
With the death toll expected to rise significantly, Saturday’s incident is the largest peacetime disaster in South Korea since the capsizing of the Sewol ferry in 2014, which killed 304 people.
Top U.S. officials were quick to offer condolences over Saturday’s tragedy.
Calling the news “heartbreaking,” Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, tweeted that “we are thinking about all those who lost loved ones and hoping for a quick recovery for those injured. The United States stands ready to provide the Republic of Korea with any support it needs.”
Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a similar message, writing on Twitter: “We were deeply saddened to learn of the deadly stampede today in Seoul. We send our thoughts and deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and injured, as well as to the people of the ROK as they mourn this horrific tragedy.”
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When reporters asked for a reaction while in Delaware on Saturday, President Joe Biden said he was waiting to learn more details about the situation, saying he had “literally just heard about it.”
“I will make a statement when I find out more about it,” he added.
