The world is mourning with South Koreans after a crowd surge killed over 150 people in Seoul.
NPR reports that over 100,000 people, most of whom were in their 20s, gathered in Seoul’s Itaewon neighborhood late Saturday night to celebrate Halloween.
Video footage shows large crowds of people packed into one alley where several bars and clubs were located. Survivors told The New York Times that they called the police but felt help was slow to arrive. As the night unraveled, emergency workers arrived and began giving people CPR on the street.
According to Reuters, authorities say the surge killed 153 people and injured 103. At least 90 percent of the victims have now been identified but many family members and friends are still searching for their loved ones.
NPR reports that two Americans died in the crush.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of so many lives last night, to include two young Americans celebrating alongside their Korean friends and others from around the world,” U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Philip Goldberg said in a statement, according to NPR.
President Joe Biden released a statement offering condolences to the loved ones of those who lost their lives in Seoul.
“Jill and I are devastated to learn that at least two Americans are among so many who lost their lives in Seoul. Our hearts go out to their loved ones in this time of grief, and we continue to pray for the recovery of all who were injured,” the statement read.
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