Tajik President Emomali Rahmon on October 30 expressed his condolences to his South Korean counterpart Yoon Suk-yeol after at least 151 people were killed in a crowd surge Saturday night in Seoul. The tragedy occurred in Seoul’s Itaewon district during Halloween festivities when a huge crowd surged into a narrow downhill alley.
Emomali Rahmon, in particular noted in message of condolences that he was saddened by the tragic news from Seoul.
“We extend our deepest condolences to you, friendly people of the Republic of Korea, families and friends of those killed in the accident and wish a quick and full recovery to all those who are injured,” the message says, according to the Tajik president’s official website.
Meanwhile, media reports say South Korean police are investigating what caused a crowd surge that killed 151 people, including 19 foreigners, during Halloween festivities in Seoul on Saturday. Besides, 82 people were injured.
Associated Press says Saturday’s deadly crowd surge happened at a sloped, narrow alley in Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood, a popular nightlife district, with witnesses and survivors recalling a “hell-like” chaos of people falling on each other “like dominoes.” They say the entire Itaewon area was extremely jammed with slow-moving vehicles and partygoers clad in Halloween costumes, making it impossible for rescuers and ambulances to reach the site in time.
The Itaewon area, famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere, is reportedly the country’s hottest spot for Halloween-themed events and parties, which had increasing popularity among young South Koreans in recent years. An estimated 100,000 people were gathered there in the country’s largest Halloween celebrations since the pandemic began, according to Associated Press.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Sunday announced a period of national mourning and ordered the lowering of flags.
Source: Asia-Plus