PM Sharif offers condolences to South Koreans after deadly stampede in Seoul

A person, believed to have suffered from cardiac arrest, is transported on a stretcher in the popular nightlife district of Itaewon in Seoul on October 30, 2022. (AFP)
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  • The incident took place in a narrow street where a large number of people had gathered to enjoy Halloween festivities
  • Those who died include people from China, Iran, Russia, the United States, Australia, Uzbekistan and other countries

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday extended his condolences to the people of South Korea after at least 146 people lost their lives in a stampede in Seoul.

The incident took place in a narrow street on Saturday night where a large number of people had gathered to enjoy Halloween festivities.

According to the chief of Seoul’s fire department, the death toll was likely to rise since an unspecified number among the injured were said to be in a critical condition.

“I am saddened at the tragic death of 146 people in a stampede in Seoul,” said the prime minister in a Twitter post. “Our thoughts & prayers are with the government & people of South Korea.”

Itaewon, the neighborhood where all the people were killed in the Halloween crowd surge, has been described by the international media as Seoul’s most cosmopolitan district.

Media reports also indicate that those who died included people from China, Iran, Russia, the United States, Australia, Uzbekistan and several other countries.

South Korea on Sunday declared a period of national mourning as several international leaders, including Sharif, offered condolences to its government and people.