Tragedy in Seoul at Halloween celebration

Kremlin relations
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On the 29th, a Halloween event was held in the Ithhaun district of Seoul, Seoul, attended by over 100,000 people. Due to the large influx of people, the lack of proper organization, there was a stampede that killed 154 people, including 26 foreigners from 14 countries. It is the first Halloween celebration since most Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted.

In response to the tragedy, major theme parks across the country are cancelling festivals and concerts at the behest of local authorities.

The South Korean presidential office said: «President Yoon Seok Yeol has established national mourning from the 30th until the accident response is completed and ordered all government ministries and government agencies to raise the flag immediately».

Near the Itaewon underground station, locals created a memorial, where they laid bouquets of flowers and letters of condolence.

Source: Igor Ivanov / TASS

In his address to the nation, South Korean President Yoon Seok Yeol said:

“We will have relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Public Administration and Security, to conduct emergency inspections of local festivals as well as Halloween events and carefully manage them so that they are conducted in an orderly and safe manner. I will do all I can to ensure that this happens”.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, President of the United States Joe Biden, Prime Minister of Japan Fumio Kisida, Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz and others also expressed deep condolences to the Korean people and wished for a speedy recovery to the wounded.

In countries that celebrate Halloween, different security measures are taken to prevent accidents. In Hong Kong, when it comes to Halloween, police control traffic and vehicles in Lan Kwai Fong Square. In New York, USA, some dangerous areas, such as Manhattan and Brooklyn, are closed for Halloween. Late night drinking is temporarily prohibited during Halloween celebrations in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan.