At least 150 people died and a similar number of
people were injured in a Halloween crush in South Korean capital Seoul on
Saturday. Nearly 100,000 people had gathered in Itaewon in Seoul. The crush
happened as a large crowd walked into a narrow alley near Hamilton Hotel, an
area regarded as a party space in the country.

Initially, there were reports of people suffering
cardiac arrest and breathlessness. Bodies were strewn across the street as
emergency medical responders performed CPR.

Prior to the incident, many of those attending the
Halloween celebrations wrote on social media that the crowd had become so large
that it was feeling unsafe.

Also Read | How and why crowd surges turn deadly

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has pledged a
through inquiry into the cause of the accident. Messages poured in from across
the world offering condolences and solidarity with South Korea following the
tragedy.

Also Read | 5 worst crowd rush incidents in history

United States President Joe Biden tweeted “Jill and I
send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in Seoul. We
grieve with the people of the Republic of Korea and wish for a quick recovery
to all those who were injured. The United States stands with the Republic of
Korea during this tragic time.”  

Justin Trudeau, the Canadian Prime Minister, said, “On
behalf of Canadians, I’m sending my deepest condolences to the people of South
Korea today, following a deadly stampede in Seoul. I’m thinking of everyone
affected by this tragedy, and wishing a fast and full recovery to those who
were injured.”

“Horrific news from Seoul tonight. All our thoughts
are with those currently responding and all South Koreans at this very
distressing time,” tweeted Rishi Sunak, UK’s new prime minister.

French President Emmanuel Macron tweeted: “I extend my
condolences to the citizens of Seoul and the Korean people in the Itaewon
disaster. France is with you.”

Most of those who died in the Halloween crush were
people in their 20s and 30s.