Stampede kills 151, several injured at Halloween festivities in Seoul

SEOUL: The death toll from a stampede during Halloween festivities in South Korea's capital Seoul rose to 151. Reports say more than 150 people were injured. The condition of 19 is critical and the death toll is likely to rise. Many have breathing problems and some suffered heart attacks. The incident happened last night at Itaewon in Seoul.

An estimated 1,00,000 people had gathered in Itaewon for the country’s biggest outdoor Halloween festivities since the pandemic began. The South Korean government eased COVID-19 restrictions in recent months.

Many died of cardiac arrest or suffocation. The injured who tried to escape are also undergoing treatment. Following the incident, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol called an emergency meeting. Many people had to be given artificial respiration. International media reports that immediately after the accident, the police and the fire brigade engaged in rescue operations.