President Irfaan Ali has sent condolences to the loved ones of the victims of last evening’s Halloween crowd surge in South Korea.
In a post on Facebook, Ali said: “I am saddened by the tragic events in Itaewon, Seoul, South Korea. I wish to extend our sympathies to all of the victims and their relatives.”
Yesterday’s incident is one of the deadliest to occur in South Korea in several years. At least 153 people have been confirmed to have died as a result of the stampede.
The Associated Press reported 97 of the dead were women and 56 were men. More than 80 per cent of the dead are in their 20s and 30s, but at least four were teenagers.
The Interior Ministry reported that at least 20 of the dead are foreigners from China, Russia, Iran, the United States and elsewhere.
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a one-week national mourning period and ordered flags at government buildings and public offices to fly at half-staff.
In an address to the nation, Yoon said his government will be providing support to the families of the victims.
“This is really devastating. The tragedy and disaster that need not have happened took place in the heart of Seoul amid Halloween,” Yoon said. “I feel heavy hearted and cannot contain my sadness as a president responsible for the people’s lives and safety.”
He called for officials to investigate the cause of the accident and review the safety protocols for other large events. (Loop News)
