Seoul Halloween crowd crush updates: Not less than 153 useless in crowd surge, officers say

Not less than 153 individuals are useless and 82 are injured after being crushed in a crowd throughout Halloween festivities in Seoul, officers in South Korea stated, because the loss of life toll within the tragedy continues to rise.

The victims are largely of their 20s, in line with the Nationwide Fireplace Company. Two Individuals have been among the many 19 international nationals who died, ABC Information confirmed.

A College of Kentucky pupil, Anne Gieske, was among the many victims, the college’s president, Eli Capilouto, stated in a press release Sunday.

“Anne, a nursing junior from northern Kentucky, was learning in South Korea this semester with an training overseas program. We’ve two different college students and a school member there this semester, as nicely. They’ve been contacted and are protected,” Capilouto stated.

“We’ve been involved with Anne’s household and can present no matter assist we will — now and within the days forward — as they deal with this indescribable loss,” he added. “We can be there for these in our group who knew and beloved Anne. We even have practically 80 college students from South Korea at UK — members of our group — who will want our assist.”

Steven Blesi, 20, from Georgia, was additionally recognized as one of many victims.

His father, Steve Blesi, instructed ABC Information that “the world is a darker place with out Steven.”

“Final night time we acquired the decision no mother or father ought to obtain. Our expensive son Steven died on this horrible occasion in South Korea the place he was learning overseas for a semester. We’re devastated and ask to your prayers,” Steve Blesi stated in a press release.

Kennesaw State College, the place Steven Blesi was a pupil, additionally issued a press release, saying he was a global enterprise main and certainly one of 11 college students from the college in South Korea as a part of a research overseas program. The opposite college students have been reported protected, KSU stated.

“On behalf of your entire Kennesaw State group, our ideas and prayers exit to Steven’s household and mates as they mourn this incomprehensible loss,” President Kathy Schwaig stated. “We’ve been involved with Steven’s household and have provided all out there assets of the College to them.”

Extra deaths have been feared within the crush, officers stated throughout a previous replace when the casualties stood at 120 useless and 100 injured.

Many victims have been transferred to native hospitals in cardiac arrest after emergency CPR, the company stated.

The casualties occurred Saturday night time within the Itaewon leisure district, when a big crowd pushed ahead within the space’s slim alleys, in line with witnesses.

The incident was first reported round 10:20 p.m. native time, officers stated. It took time for rescue crews to reply because of the massive crowds.

Greater than 100,000 folks gathered for Halloween events within the space, which is thought for its nightclubs. The world has bars positioned alongside slim again alleys that flank the principle avenue. Individuals received caught in these curved, slanted alleys, in line with witnesses.

Bystander video from the scene confirmed a big emergency and police response within the district as a crowd of individuals, some in costume, have been nonetheless gathered on the scene. CPR could possibly be seen being carried out on the street.

The reason for the gang surge is beneath investigation, officers stated.

‘It simply received too scary’

Janelle Story, an American who has lived in South Korea since 2016, instructed ABC Information the world is often crowded, particularly on Halloween. However this was “one other stage.”

“It is the primary time for the reason that pandemic that we have been capable of really simply exit,” she stated. “Itaewon is legendary for being actually crowded, however this was only a stage I might by no means seen earlier than.”

Story and a buddy have been bar-hopping when she began filming the gang round 10:30 p.m., she stated.

“That is after I simply noticed in entrance of me this mass of individuals like operating and pushing and like shifting quick after which screaming and like, panicking,” she stated. “We have been simply form of standing and slowly. After which it simply occurred. Bam! This wall of individuals got here at us.”

“I finished filming as a result of it simply received too scary,” she continued.

Story stated she heard different bystanders mentioning folks have been fainting. After they tried to move to the subway station they noticed firetrucks, ambulances and police vehicles, earlier than safely making it dwelling.

“I simply cannot consider that this occurred. I do not know the way,” she stated. “This simply appears like a freak occasion.”

‘Heartbreaking’ stories

The U.S. provided its assist to South Korea within the wake of the tragedy.

“The stories out of Seoul are heartbreaking,” White Home Nationwide Safety Adviser Jake Sullivan said on Twitter. “We’re serious about all those that misplaced family members and hoping for a fast restoration for these injured. America stands prepared to supply the Republic of Korea with any assist it wants.”

President Joe Biden and first woman Jill Biden provided their “deepest condolences to the households who misplaced family members in Seoul.”

“We grieve with the folks of the Republic of Korea and ship our greatest needs for a fast restoration to all those that have been injured,” the president stated in a press release. “The Alliance between our two nations has by no means been extra vibrant or extra important — and the ties between our individuals are stronger than ever. America stands with the Republic of Korea throughout this tragic time.”

ABC Information’ Nicholas Cirone contributed to this report.